Thibaut Courtois sends a message to Real Madrid fans!

While the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior tend to hog the headlines, there is a strong case to be made that Thibaut Courtois has actually been Real Madrid's most influential figure over the past few seasons.

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The Belgian has repeatedly come to his side's rescue with spectacular stops throughout that period, and he has also established himself as one of the most prominent voices in the Merengue locker room. As Los Blancos once again attempt to bounce back from a shaky beginning to the campaign, the presence of the Belgian will prove just as vital for Mourinho's side.

Thibaut Courtois sends a message of support to Real Madrid

The seasoned Belgian made it plain that Los Blancos are eager to get back to their trophy-winning habits this season:

"It's not something you see every day. The last 15 years have brought so many titles. We're desperate to taste that kind of success again. That's the standard Madrid sets for you, and it's what greets us every morning when we step through the doors. Valdebebas stands out because the first team and the academy operate side by side. Over in London, things are kept more separate."

The shot-stopper then reflected on how Jose Mourinho has evolved, while noting that certain things about him have never changed since their Chelsea days together:

"He's every bit as sharp as the man I worked with at Chelsea. His approach looks different now because the game itself has moved on. I'd say he's more settled in his daily routine and in how he handles the press. Yet he still demands everything from you on the training pitch and in meetings, and he'll still tell you exactly what he thinks to your face. From the outside, you'd say he's grown up a bit, wiser, less hot-headed."

Courtois also spoke candidly about his habit of speaking his mind, no matter the consequences:

"There are times when certain matters should stay behind closed doors. I don't go into a mixed zone intending to hang a teammate or the team out to dry. In the end, I tend to call it like I see it. It's simply my read on a match, and there are occasions when I get it wrong too. Back in 2018 against France, I fronted up to the press and let my emotions get the better of me, and to this day the French still joke about it. I'm the first person to put my hand up when I've made a mistake."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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