What Courtois really thinks about Xabi Alonso, Mbappé, Vinicius: “When they beat us they didn’t respect us either”

Thibaut Courtois is unquestioned at Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper is one of Xabi Alonso’s pillars and proves it every match. The debate over whether he is better than Iker Casillas is now out in the open. In an interview with El Partidazo on Cadena Cope, he doesn’t hold back as he runs through the latest in the sport.

On the team’s current form: “There’s always more noise outside than inside. There are always criticisms after just a draw. Playing at Rayo is always difficult. We have to improve. Now we have a tough month ahead. We have to beat Elche.”

On the match he missed against Liverpool: “In the first half I felt on the pitch that we had a lot of control and most of their chances were long shots or poor clearances. I didn’t have much work. In the second half it was harder for us to create danger and they played better. We have to improve.”

On his injury: “It was just a knock, I’ll be able to play this weekend. I’m taking it step by step. I don’t want an injury to keep me out longer later on, which is why the uproar it caused in Belgium surprised me. I didn’t pull out – I want to enjoy my national team as much as I can. If there had been a league match last weekend, I wouldn’t have played.”

On Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti: “Ancelotti was like a father or a grandfather. Xabi is more modern. They’re both very good managers in their own way. Saying we miss Ancelotti would be disrespectful to Xabi. The relationship with Alonso is good. In any locker room there are always players who are less happy because they don’t play as much. We’re training well. In our team everything is said face to face, so there’s no issue. If order needs to be imposed, I’m someone who can do it, but we haven’t needed that. We’re all pulling in the same direction.”

On the Vinicius incident: “The Vinicius matter is closed and accepted. He apologized and we move on. We’re all human and in a high-tension match you can react in ways you later regret. He apologized to the whole team and the entire coaching staff.”

On Casillas: “There’s a saint called Casillas who means a great deal to Madrid and to the national team. Just hearing your name alongside his is a compliment. To be remembered among the best you have to win trophies. People remember the Liverpool final, not the games that don’t give you titles. Maybe some people didn’t watch Iker and that’s why they pick me. When I was eight, I dreamed of playing for Madrid, and here I am. Every day I go to training happy because it’s where I’m happiest.”

On El Clásico: “Lamine is a great player who will define an era, but he heated up the match and the press jumped on it. When your pulse is racing you say things you don’t need to say, but that’s El Clásico. After losing to them four times last year we needed a bit of fire to go after them. Lamine’s comments motivated us. When they beat us they didn’t respect us either. If I saw Lamine in a restaurant, I’d say hello.”

On Javier Tebas: “If I play at Betis at their stadium it’s harder than playing in Miami, where the stadium would be full of Madrid fans. I’d greet Tebas and I’d like to have a face-to-face debate with him.”

On the media: “In soccer you look for headlines more than in American football. Reporters there go into the locker room, but here you don’t because you’re looking for other kinds of stories. You talk about a lot of things that aren’t soccer.”

On Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo: “I never got to train with Cristiano. They’re different players. Cristiano has even more of a winning mentality than Mbappé. This year Mbappé has taken a step forward. Last season he was trying to find his place on the team and this year he’s pushing. Mbappé is a leader and that will show more every game.”

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.