Thibaut CourtoisReal Madrid goalkeeper, assured, after the defeat in the first pre-season friendly against Barcelona, that “obviously” they need Karim Benzema since without him they lack “some goal and create more danger”, but ruled out that his team needs go to the market since last season they won the League and ‘Champions’ with “this group”.
“Last year we won the League and the ‘Champions’ with this group and we have faith in that, but if Karim nor we are missing a goal and create more danger. But it is the first match and there is no need to draw conclusions; The first challenge will come in the Super Cup. Karim is the best 9 in the world and we obviously need him”, he said in the mixed zone at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (United States).
And Courtois who made up to three worthwhile saves in the final minutes to avoid a greater result against: “I was there to make the saves, especially two good ones for Dembélé. I feel very good, I am working very well. I didn’t go to the national team to get well from my lower back pain and I’m happy that in the first game I can give a good level”, he valued.
A result that the Belgian wanted to downplay, recalling a more painful defeat of the Real Madrid in terms of the score against his great rival in the city.
“In preseason we lost 7-3 against Atlético in New York (2019) and then we beat them twice and won the League. Friendlies don’t say much, you want to win in front of the fans in the United States, but it’s about picking up the pace and you can’t do something so dramatic from a loss”, he commented.
Also Courtois publicly showed his confidence in his compatriot Eden Hazardwho this Sunday played the first half against Barcelona as a false ‘9’.
“The Hazard for Chelsea he played on the wing and in Belgium he plays indoors. It depends on where the coach puts him. He’s fine, he’s only been training for a week, but I’m sure he can contribute a lot to the team. When Karim comes back we’ll see how we can play with Eden, but I trust him. He is holding up well in training and the problems are in the past. The other day he gave him a Rüdiger entrance and he got up fine, so… (laughs).
The goalkeeper also praised the signing of the German Antonio Ruediger: “These are decisions of the coach (regarding the fact that he has played as a left back). He is a great player, who fights and defends well, with intensity; he strengthens the team. We have good defenders and I think we are going to have a great year”, he declared.
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