Real Madrid News
Courtois showers praise on ter Stegen: “He’s always been great for Barcelona”
As Real Madrid prepare to face off against Barcelona in the highly-anticipated El Clasico at Camp Nou, the importance of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the opposite goal cannot be overstated.
As we approach this game, Thibaut Courtois has recognized the talents of his counterpart and has praised the German ahead of what is expected to be a tightly contested match.
Ter Stegen has been in sensational form this season and has played a crucial role in helping Barcelona retain the best defensive record in La Liga so far.
With a save-percentage rate of 89%, he outperforms all the other ‘keepers not only in La Liga but also in Europe. He has recorded an astounding 19 clean sheets in 25 league matches – the highest in the league by a huge margin.
Courtois, who has been very consistent at Real Madrid, acknowledges Ter Stegen’s qualities, stating (h/t Movistar Plus), “I don’t think he has improved at all, because Ter Stegen has always been a great goalkeeper.”
Courtois has racked up a save percentage of 81% this season and will undoubtedly be a crucial figure in ensuring Real Madrid come away with all three points in this critical fixture.
As the two giants of Spanish football go head to head once again, every moment and every save will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match.
“Ter Stegen is an incredible goalkeeper. Sometimes there are bumps in your career and you have bad luck that maybe they mark you an unfortunate goal sometimes. What happens is that now things are going well for him, and a goalkeeper with confidence grows even more,” Courtois added.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, fans on both sides will be eagerly anticipating a masterclass from these two exceptional goalkeepers.
Earlier today, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke openly about the rumours linking him to the vacant Brazil national team job.
The Italian tactician has emerged as the top target for the Selecao to succeed Tite, who was let go of after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The president of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, has made it clear that Ancelotti is the preferred candidate for the job.
Reacting to the same, Ancelotti, during his press conference today, said: “The reality is that the Brazilian national team wants me and I love it and I’m very excited about it, but then I have to respect the contract I have and I want to fulfil it.”
“I’m not surprised that there are these rumours. It doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t worry me. I’m just focused on fulfilling my duties with this club and with this team. I’m still here until Real Madrid allow me to stay.”
While the 63-year-old might be saying that he wishes to fulfil his contract at Real Madrid, which expires in 2024, he did not shy away from stating that he was happy about Brazil’s interest in him.
And now, Fabrizio Romano (h/t Madrid Zone) is reporting that the Selecao are ready to wait until June to go ahead with the appointment of Ancelotti.
While the Italian tactician remains in control at this point at Real Madrid, things could change drastically over the next couple of months.
The La Liga title looks already out of the Merengues’ hands while they are also trailing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final. If they fail to go all the way in the UEFA Champions League as well, Florentino Perez could decide to make some changes, starting with Ancelotti.
Hence, Brazil are happy to wait patiently until June and see how the situation is at that point and whether Ancelotti is available. With no major matches coming up for the Selecao until September, they can afford to wait as well.
