Real Madrid News
Report: The main reason behind Real Madrid veteran’s decision to step away from international football
Earlier this week, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced that he was going to take a break from playing for the Belgium national team.
The 34-year-old shot-stopper made the announcement after putting in a spectacular display for Los Blancos in the 2-1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
“No, I’m not going to play any Nations League matches, not even the Final Four, unless the coach needs me because there are too many injuries,” he said, ruling himself out of contention for the upcoming UEFA Nations League.
However, Courtois intends to represent Belgium when the UEFA Euro 2028 comes around, although he was made aware that he will no longer be a starter when he opts to return and will have to fight for his place.
The driving force behind Courtois’ decision
Now, according to MARCA, Courtois has chosen not to play in the Nations League for Belgium believing that he needs to manage his workload more carefully.
After giving everything to his country throughout his international career, his immediate priority is now Real Madrid. He wants to use international breaks to rest, work and reduce the physical risks that have accumulated over recent seasons.
At 34, Courtois understands the demands of playing for Real Madrid better than most. Almost every match requires him to operate at the highest possible level, and he knows that maintaining that standard means listening more carefully to his body.
The Belgian is determined to put last season’s lack of trophies behind him and return to lifting silverware with Real Madrid.
He knows the club is entering a new era under Mourinho and that the project still needs time to settle. But he also knows his role will be crucial during that process.
A key cog
After all, Courtois is one of the senior leaders in the Real Madrid dressing room. His age, experience, performances and personality give his voice considerable weight.
The veteran shot-stopper has experienced almost everything during his time in Madrid, from difficult periods to Champions League triumphs, extraordinary comebacks and historic nights.
He has also had to overcome the serious knee injury that threatened to keep him away from his best for a prolonged period. He returned from that setback and once again showed the same level.
The match against Inter Milan carried additional significance for Courtois. He made his 100th Champions League appearance, joining an exclusive group of players to reach that landmark.
Courtois is the first Belgian player to reach 100 Champions League appearances and only the eighth goalkeeper to achieve the feat. And he marked the occasion in typically spectacular fashion.
And, his motivation remains as strong as ever. Courtois wants to win again with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
