Courtois: “Keeping a clean sheet is important for the team’s confidence”
“The first half was very good, we scored three goals,” said the goalkeeper.
Courtois kept a clean sheet in Real Madrid's victory against Málaga and analyzed the match as follows: “It was very good. I think the first half was excellent, we scored three goals. It's true that in the last five or ten minutes, we dropped too far back and they created some chances. During the break, the coach asked us to try to score more goals but, above all, not to concede. It's also important to know how to hold onto a result, but in the second half, we didn't play as well. We had several chances, but we slowed down a bit with the ball and gave them too much possession. That's something to improve on. In the end, we scored the fourth goal, which finished the game well, but in the second half, it was necessary to step it up a gear to let the Bernabéu enjoy the match as well. Still, 4-0 is a good result.”
“I think that's the way we want to play: with rhythm, control, and pressing after losing the ball. If we manage to do that in every game, we are in for a great year. But for that, everyone has to work hard for 90 minutes. I also hope everyone stays healthy, which is the most important thing. The team from the first half and the way we played is the path to follow.”
Clean sheet
“It is important for confidence and for the whole team. The two goals we've conceded in LaLiga could have been avoided. In the end, we learn from that. When you're so dominant, you have to keep working well, because results like 3-0 at halftime can be a bit of a trap. You might lower the pace a bit, concede a goal, give them confidence, and maybe by bad luck, they score a second, and suddenly, you have a tough game. That's what the coach said at halftime: you have to approach the game with the same seriousness as if you're winning 1-0 or 2-1. In the end, not conceding is good. Now we have a tough away match, and then the Champions League starts, so we are approaching these weeks with a lot of determination.”
Changes in the starting lineup
“The coach had already said he was going to make several changes. He mentioned it on Wednesday, to rotate some players, because everyone is training very well and many certainly deserve to play too. I think it's important, if you want to go far in all competitions, to rely on everyone. We have a very good squad. If you look at the bench today, there's a lot of quality, and also in the starting eleven. This is good for a coach when making decisions, and the competition is also healthy as it keeps us working hard, knowing that your spot is never guaranteed. That will make us better and stronger.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.