Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
246 matches for Madrid, what is the most important thing for matches like tomorrow?
I’m very happy, happy to have played the other day. We are a team, we sacrifice for each other and we give our all. After the defeat against Lille, it is important to win tomorrow.
How do you think your opponents see you?
I have a great friendship for Borja. Over the years, in many matches, he has said this to me during meetings. The other day too. I try to do my job to help the team.
Regarding the team’s performance, do you think it’s more of a physical problem or an attitude problem?
Everyone’s attitude is always maximum, we always try to defend with eleven. Sometimes it’s a question of communication, when to press and how, and we all have to do it together. Today, many teams can cause you problems. The other day there were things we didn’t do well enough. Physically, for some, it’s not easy after such a long season where they barely had any rest. We will get there. It’s important to win these matches to get to the end of the season.
Messages after the Metropolitano
I respect their opinion but I do not share it. We do not have the same idea of what a provocation is. I do not wish to make any further comments on this matter.
Defense reinforcements
I have confidence in the team, in our teammates. It’s the club that decides whether we need reinforcements or not. We, the players, are not involved in this decision.
Have you been disappointed by anyone at the Metropolitano?
I will not make any further comments on this subject. I’m focusing on tomorrow’s match.
How do you prepare for 1v1s?
I don’t want to reveal my secrets either. It’s a technique that I try to do: make myself as tall as possible, play with timing, guess what the attacker is thinking… I’m two meters tall, if I throw myself with open arms and legs there’s little space.
Do ultras have their place in a football stadium?
The important thing is that there cannot be violence. In Belgium, I experienced many situations like this. I have no problem with those who cheer for their team and create a bit of rivalry, I like it, it gives me more adrenaline and more motivation. But all this out of respect for those who play and without violence. Sometimes there is a little play between a player and a supporter, that’s normal. I have no problem being booed. If there is no violence, I don’t see a problem. We must eliminate those who want to do harm.
How do you find the team? What do you think is missing?
There is change, some players are no longer there and sometimes it takes a little adaptation. It’s not something you create in a month or two. It will improve. It’s not as bad as you make it out to be. We talked about it, tried to improve it and that’s what we’re trying to do.
