Courtois: “Carlos Espí has talent, he's very strong, and he's a player we didn't have in the squad"

Our team defeated Espanyol in their first LaLiga match, and after the game, Courtois spoke to the media: "Carlos Espí is a beast. Watching him in training colliding with Konaté, with Rüdiger, and the others is impressive. He has talent, he's very strong, and he's a player we didn't have in the squad. We call him Joselu Jr. He comes in for these moments, and when he scores a goal like that to give us the victory, we're very happy with him. The impact from the bench can be just as significant as those who start.”

“Everyone is rowing in the same direction, training well and hard, with a clear mindset. On the pitch, we have to try to improve on what Mourinho asks and stick to the plan, which maybe at times we didn’t fully execute in the first half. Little by little, it will get better. The most striking thing is the discipline on the pitch.”

Mourinho's approach
“After two weeks, you still don't know for sure. We have to wait a bit during the season, but it's true that he's a bit calmer, more experienced, and perhaps more composed. He’s still the same coach who demands character, good training, and discipline. At Chelsea, I clashed with him sometimes, and it was normal; I was like that, and so was he. I like people who are direct. That's how you make progress. He’s a coach who tells it like it is, and sometimes you might think differently, but if you say what you think, you move forward.”

The need to win
“When you play for Real Madrid, every year there’s a demand for silverware. Especially after not winning anything for a year and a half, and nothing significant for two years. That’s the pressure we have, and we know it—that’s what playing for Real Madrid is about, and every player in the squad is aware of it.”

Diomande
“He’s a player who also hasn’t been in training for long. In training, you can see he’s very strong, very fast, with technique… He needs to find his place; it’s not easy to come in for 20 or 30 minutes, but little by little. I see him as a player who will contribute a lot to us.”