Real Madrid News
Courtois talks Benzema, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Bellingham, Valverde, Joselu, retirement
Thibaut Courtois missed Real Madrid’s first two games of the USA tour through a minor injury. He returned for the latter half of the tour, although the team, unfortunately, lost both the games he featured in.
Yet, it would be unfair to blame Courtois for the defeats to Barcelona and Juventus. The shot-stopper made a cumulative of seven saves across the two matches including two from inside the box.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper recently spoke to TLN TV (h/t Madrid Xtra) ahead of the new La Liga season where he elaborated on topics including the team’s lack of a striker and his future.
The Belgian goalkeeper first expressed his desire to hang up his boots at Real Madrid but insisted that he still had a long way to go.
“I’m so happy at Real Madrid, my wish is to retire here. I’ll take things year by year and make sure I take care of myself. Luckily goalkeepers can last a long time in football,” he said.
Courtois then admitted to Karim Benzema’s departure being a big loss for Real Madrid and pointed out means by which the team could compensate for the void.
“Benzema scored a lot of goals for us, but we have other players who have scored goals, like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo. The whole team has to step up, players like Federico Valverde can do it. He should try and score 20 goals this season.”
Courtois elaborated on the manager’s options in the final third, backing the new signing Joselu to come good, as he said: “Joselu is a good striker for us, he can score goals.”
Real Madrid struggled towards the tail end of last season and completed it with neither the La Liga title nor the UCL trophy to show for it.
The goalkeeper spoke about the objectives for the 2023-24 campaign, saying: “We want to redeem ourselves from last season.”
On the new signings at the club and their impact on the team’s results on the field, Courtois said: “We got some exciting signings like Jude. So we hope to win many trophies.”
At 31 years of age, Courtois is now one of the veterans on the team. He spoke about his longevity in the years to come and how he viewed Luka Modric as a role model.
“I want to go year by year. Luka is still playing at almost 38, so I know it’s possible,” he said.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid very happy with future star Endrick, eagerly awaiting his arrival in 2024 – Romano
Real Madrid’s attacking unit has been crippled by the loss of Karim Benzema earlier in the summer, which was followed by the loss of Vinicius Jr due to injury.
Although Vinicius has returned, there is much left to be desired from the Madrid frontline as we progress through to the season.
Real Madrid, though, are waiting on the arrival of Endrick. The young Brazilian is set to join the Real Madrid squad in the summer of 2024 when he turns 18.
Real Madrid impressed by Endrick
Endrick has already started his preparation for his pending move to Santiago Bernabeu, having performed exceptionally well in his native Brazil this year.
The youngster is constantly working on his game, in order to further improve himself as an attacker. It has left Real Madrid quite happy and eager for his arrival, reports Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that Real Madrid have been keeping close tabs on everything Endrick has been doing, on and off the pitch, at Palmeiras.
And they have received very good reports on the 17-year-old, with the club impressed by how he is putting efforts to improve himself both performance-wise and in other facets.
Despite there being some question marks over his performances, the teenage forward is starting to showcase his potential, having scored five goals in five starts for Palmeiras.
Endrick also learning new languages
Endrick is not only just working on his performance. In fact, the Brazilian is also learning other languages in order to quickly settle into life in Spain.
The youngster can speak Portuguese, but he may have to master Spanish during his time at Santiago Bernabeu.
As mentioned earlier, Endrick can already speak Portuguese, which should go a long way in helping him team up with fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
Even Eder Militao can speak Portuguese, which should make it easier for Endrick to adapt to life in Spain, at least for the next year or so.
