Real Madrid News
Courtois shares thoughts on Huijsen’s red card, facing PSG and his save to deny Sabitzer – ‘Sometimes you need a miracle’
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the hero in his team’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals.
With only seconds left in a game that turned tense unexpectedly, Courtois made an unbelievable save on Marcel Sabitzer’s shot.
He described the moment by saying, “Sometimes you need a miracle. I never thought it would get this crazy at 2-0, but football changes quickly.
“When I saw Sabitzer shoot, I said with all my heart I have to save it and well, thank goodness it happened. Thankfully, it worked out.”
Courtois compared the save to two of his famous stops: one against Sadio Mane in the Champions League final and another against Arsenal in 2018.
“They are beautiful moments. At 3-2, making that save… If we get to the final and win, it will be in the top five of my best saves. Important and beautiful.”
Huijsen’s sending off
Speaking about Dean Huijsen’s red card, Courtois called it a big loss for the team. “Dean was playing well and giving us options.
“Now, someone else will need to step up. This is Real Madrid—many players are ready to take the chance.
“His red card was unlucky, but it’s something young players learn from. We’ll try to win the next matches for him so he can play in the final.”
Courtois also spoke about life under new coach Xabi Alonso. “Tournaments like this help the team come together, especially with new players.
“We’re spending a lot of time with each other, which builds bonds. The boss is always energetic, attentive, and pushes everyone to give their best.
“He wants the whole team involved, both in attack and defence. That’s the only way to win—everyone has to be in the right place so players like Vini, Kylian or Jude can shine.”
On facing PSG and remembering Jota
Looking ahead to the semi-final against PSG, Courtois acknowledged the challenge. “They’re the European champions, and they play very well.
“We need to fix our mistakes from today because they press high and keep the ball well. But I believe we can find the answers and win,” he shared confidently.
Finally, Courtois expressed his sadness over the death of Diogo Jota. “It was shocking news. He had three kids like me, and he had just got married… it’s heartbreaking. We send our deepest condolences to his family and team.
“Everyone spoke well of him, and that shows what a good person he was. It reminds us how precious life is and how quickly things can change.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
