Thibaut Courtois was the member of the Real Madrid squad who appeared at a telematic press conference to assess the final of the Spanish Super Cup this Sunday against Athletic Bilbao. The Belgian spoke before the training session at the Al-Nassr Sports City.
Courtois is in great form and although he conceded two goals in the semi-final classic, he saved the Whites from many more and was decisive in getting them through to the final. Now, the ‘giant’ of Real Madrid will have a new challenge against a team, Athletic Bilbao, who He takes great advantage of the stopped ball.
“It’s a final, we have a lot of players in the team who have played a lot and this experience helps us. It will be a difficult game, which we hope to win. Ancelotti is going to motivate us, but it’s not necessary because we know what we’re playing for. We’re hungry for win after not having won a title last season,” he said.
Regarding the debate on the Real Madrid game, Courtois pointed out that “in the end we are a team that does everything, when we are asked for possession we do it and when we have to defend more, too. I start a lot of plays and in a game like against Barça , when you are winning, it is normal to defend and do damage with the speed we have upstairs”.
There is no best light
Courtois recognized that the light of the King Fahd Stadium “It’s not bad, but it’s different, not as clear as in the fields of the League, you have to get used to it”.
As for proper names, he praised his compatriot Hazard but admitted that “Vini plays on one side and there is a lot of competition on the other” and of the Brazilian, he highlighted his progression. “He has improved a lot since he arrived. Also thanks to Karim’s advice”, referring to Benzema.
Duel with Unai
Courtois had no qualms about describing this Sunday’s game as “a goalkeeping final”. He said that he is in great form, “although sometimes he is not recognized outside” and Unai Simón highlighted that “Athletic is here in part thanks to his interventions”. Of the rojiblancos, he admitted that his great danger is “the stopped ball”.