Real Madrid News
Thibaut Courtois explains his injury status after Belgium crash out of FIFA World Cup: ‘Lot of pain’
Spain knocked Belgium out of the FIFA World Cup with a narrow 2-1 win last night, and the game followed a queerly similar pattern to their win over Portugal.
Just as he did against Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, Mikel Merino came off the bench and scored moments later, at the absolute death of the game to hand his side the win last night. It was heartbreaking for Belgium who warriored on the defensive but eventually fell just short.
Thibaut Courtois, needless to say, was the starting goalkeeper on the night and played a great 71 minutes but eventually went down in discomfort and was substituted off.
Courtois’ post-match interview
Real Madrid veteran Courtois spoke to the media via MARCA after Belgium’s elimination from the FIFA World Cup last night in what may well have been his last game for his country.
He began by providing an update on his fitness, especially given how he played most of the game in visible pain and was struggling to continue until he was eventually taken off.
“I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps. But I had no problem with staying on track. The pain was only for long kicks,” he said.
“In the end, the manager decided to take me off, which is no problem, as the team is above everything,” he added.
When asked if this would be his final appearance in a Belgium shirt or if he would play for longer, Courtois elaborated on the condition under which he would be open to playing for a little longer.
“I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches, and then play the EURO qualifiers and the 2028 EURO.”
“I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this,” he added, putting pressure on the federation.
Finally, the player admitted that he was excited about returning to Real Madrid and that there are no excuses to underperform this time around.
“Real Madrid have signed good players and a top manager. Now it’s up to us to respond.”
Much-needed rest now
As a 34-year-old still playing at the highest level, the hectic schedule for club and country over the past year has undoubtedly taken a toll on Courtois’ body.
The goalkeeper’s recent injury record is a testament that he must slow down and that rest is required now more than ever.
With Belgium’s elimination, Courtois’ season finally comes to an end and the player can look forward to at least three weeks of complete rest before he links up with Jose Mourinho for the new season at Real Madrid.
The club, after all, will want him to be fit, fresh and completely healed in time for the commencement of the new campaign.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
