Thibaut Courtois talks Mbappe, Ballon d’Or, Mourinho, Negreira controversy and Belgium absence
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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has never been shy about speaking his mind to the media, and he has addressed a number of topics pertaining to the Spanish club.
The Belgium international has backed Kylian Mbappe for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award while also discussing Jose Mourinho, the derby refereeing controversy and his decision to temporarily step away from Belgium duty.
Courtois picks Mbappe for Ballon d’Or
In a lengthy interview with Onda Cero’s Radioestadio Noche, as quoted by Diario AS, Courtois said he believes individual excellence should carry more weight for the Ballon d’Or.
“The Ballon d’Or should be for who has been the best player in the world this year, not necessarily who won the most trophies,” Courtois said.
“For me, it is Mbappe.”
Kylian Mbappe is backed by Courtois for the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
The Belgian has been particularly struck by Mbappe’s extraordinary acceleration.
“I’ve spoken to players here in the national team. Everyone was amazed by how quickly he goes past players with his speed. It’s as if they are not even there. Then you have his goals.”
Courtois also reflected on the expectations Mbappe encountered after arriving at the Bernabeu.
“When you join Real Madrid, the goal is to win the Champions League. But you can’t take it for granted. Look at Mbappe. It’s not easy.”
Mourinho remains Mourinho
Courtois previously worked under Mourinho at Chelsea and believes the Portuguese has evolved without losing the characteristics that define him.
“He’s still the Mourinho I knew at Chelsea, but the years change us all,” Courtois said.
“Mourinho is very direct. He gets under your skin. He knows how to touch someone’s nerve, but football has to be like that. He is a winner.”
The goalkeeper nevertheless sees a calmer version of his former Chelsea boss, particularly publicly, while Mourinho continues demanding intensity internally.
“We are hungry to win titles. That’s what Real Madrid demands.”
He also sees evidence of a wider transformation.
“I believe this will be the year of change at Real Madrid. I see many things changing, and we are working hard on it.”
Courtois rejects refereeing excuse for derby loss
Courtois was equally clear about Madrid’s controversial defeat to Atletico.
“The Madrid derby? We did not lose because of refereeing. We lost because of our own fault,” he said.
“With that being said, I hope the referee and VAR improve. It wasn’t their best day.”
Courtois is crystal clear in his commitment to Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Courtois accepts Madrid had legitimate complaints after the game but was clear that it could not overshadow the performance.
“I don’t think there is a hidden agenda against us, but there are certain things that I don’t understand.”
He then touched upon the Negreira case, the refereeing scandal involving Barcelona that is set to go on trial in Spain.
“The Negreira case is very serious. Everyone is waiting for the verdict.”
Courtois reaffirms commitment to Real Madrid
Courtois also explained why he has stepped away from Belgium during the Nations League period.
“I love playing for my national team, but I have to look after myself because I owe everything to Real Madrid.”
He confirmed that he has discussed his decision to stay away from international duty with Mark van Bommel and intends to make himself available for the European Championship qualifiers.
Courtois was very clear that it is Madrid who pay his wages and, at his age, his priority is ensuring longevity in his career.
As good as the Belgian is, injuries have started creeping into his game in recent seasons and he very clearly wants to keep them in check.
From a Madrid perspective, it is refreshing to see Courtois’ commitment to Los Blancos, and it remains to be seen how he fares over the course of the campaign.