Courtois: "It's a tough defeat, but a defeat to learn from"
"Sometimes a setback like this is good for you to keep improving, to know that there is a lot of work ahead and that we can get better,” said the goalkeeper.
Courtois spoke to the media after the match against PSG in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup: “They always start very strong and with a lot of pressure high up. We failed to follow the coach's plan of looking for space up front. We struggled to hold our position and they found the free man very well. They created a lot of danger, especially in the first half. In the second half, they stopped pressing and we had more chances, but we didn't score. The first two goals killed off the game a bit and they were comfortable."
“It's a tough defeat, but a defeat to learn from. We’re on the right path and sometimes a setback like this is good for you to keep improving, to know that there is a lot of work ahead and that we can get better. We have to reach their level, they have won the Champions League and they've been very good in this tournament. We have to work on next season.”
Why didn’t the game plan work?
“This is something that needs to be analysed in the video. From my point of view, we were a bit off the pace. The moment you are late, everybody is out of position. At speed, they beat you because they go forward and you have to turn and you lose time. We were not very close to them and that was the problem. When you're spread out on the pitch and with so much space, against a good team like them, it's difficult.”
Carvajal and Militão
“We're all very pleased for both of them, that they have been able to come back. I think it's good for them, to have a few days off now and to continue working for the new season. It's great that they are with us again, that they feel like players again. Obviously, not for the match, it's not the result we wanted. But it's positive for the team that they are back. And at the same time it's a shame for Modrić and Lucas Vázquez. They are two Real Madrid legends and we wish them all the best.”
Ovation for Modrić
“We're lucky to have a lot of Madridistas here. That's why it hurts us to lose to them today. Modrić always gets a standing ovation, not only from the Madridistas. He's a great player, a great teammate and we'll miss him.”