Courtois: “We're performing at a high level and we have to be ready for the final"
“Some people may have doubts about how you come back, but I knew I was going to come back strong,” said the goalie.
Courtois spoke to Realmadrid TV after Madrid's victory against Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu. The goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet with some outstanding saves, said: “It was a great game with lots of chances and goals. I'm pleased for the team, with the goals and also defensively because we kept another clean sheet. We have to keep working hard.”
“We're performing at a high level. Now we have to be ready for the final, we all have to be physically ready and that's why it's important to have won the league a fortnight ago. We get more rest, we can manage who plays and who doesn't and so everyone is switched on. We have to keep playing well, get into a rhythm and keep winning, which is the best way to get into form.”
On his saves
“I feel very good. I understand that some people may have doubts about how you come back, but I knew I was going to come back strong. I'm still the same Courtois or even better. I'm going to keep working hard to improve. Maybe I needed a game like today, with a lot of shots. Against Cádiz there was a one-on-one and a long-range shot and against Granada it was more about footwork. Today there were a lot of saves and I needed those close, quick, reflex shots. I'm really proud of the save down the left hand side. What I have trained for so long is now showing up on the pitch and we have to keep working on it with Llopis."
Hard work to hit top form
“The team has a few days off, but I'll keep training. I'm delighted to have played three games. After the second injury I didn't know if I'd play. If everything went well I could target today. In the end, I played against Cádiz and I'm really happy, I've been able to enjoy myself at the Bernabéu twice. I'm a very happy man and I have to keep working to reach my best level.”
Connection between Vini Jr. and Bellingham
“They're both the best in the world. As a madridista I'm delighted that they're playing in our team. They're two different players but they bring a lot to the team. Bellingham, with his runs into the box, is really important and Vini Jr. creates problems for the defence because he attracts two or three defenders and always leaves someone alone on the edge of the box. I'm delighted for both of them. Bellingham has integrated very well and has had a great year. We all know the story of Vini Jr., he's an incredible talent and he hasn't reached his peak yet. We have a lot of time left for both of them, they're both very young.”
LaLiga title and Champions League in sight
“We're very happy to be able to share everything with the madridistas. Cibeles, today at the stadium. It's something that's going to continue. It's a tough final against a very tough side. They've played good games against PSG, Atleti and in the group stage. They're strong teams that defend very well and score a lot of goals. I hope we can win, but we have to respect our opponents. We have to be at our best at Wembley to win the Champions League.”