
Courtois: This is what matters, and don't believe what is said on Twitter!
Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper of Real Madrid, commented on his team's victory against Juventus in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup, winning by a single goal, allowing the royal team to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The goalkeeper said: "The defensive commitment of the whole team was excellent. This is what matters; we delivered a great performance. When you don't concede any goals, it's always better."
He added: "It depends on the timing of the match and the opponent's movement. If everyone runs as they did today or as they did against Salzburg, it will be very difficult for the opponent to score goals. I think we had many chances in the second half, but their goalkeeper was fantastic. Fortunately, we managed to score, and I think we defended well."
Regarding the opponent in the quarter-finals: "If we can face Sergio Ramos (Monterrey), that would be great. We know them less than Borussia Dortmund, but every match is tough, and we must respect the opponent. That’s what makes the tournament very exciting."
He continued: "What do you want to improve in this tournament? There are some nuances in the tournament, like the scheduling. For example, playing the UEFA Nations League just before the tournament is not ideal and does not help with recovery. We need to find a better balance, and it will be a wonderful tournament."
On Arnold: "He could have provided many assists in the tournament. His assists against Pachuca were excellent. In training, his shots are amazing; his free kicks and corners are at a high level. I don't think I've seen anyone with his shooting and crossing skills. As a goalkeeper, sometimes it's a nightmare. He keeps you alert and forces you to make a great effort to save. He helps us improve."
He emphasized: "I think we continue to improve. We watch a lot of videos, and we try to get better, and every match goes more smoothly. This is the right path, and I hope we reach the final."
He concluded: "If you believe four people on Twitter saying that the FIFA Club World Cup has no value, you are mistaken. Anyone who knows football understands the level of the teams."
The goalkeeper said: "The defensive commitment of the whole team was excellent. This is what matters; we delivered a great performance. When you don't concede any goals, it's always better."
He added: "It depends on the timing of the match and the opponent's movement. If everyone runs as they did today or as they did against Salzburg, it will be very difficult for the opponent to score goals. I think we had many chances in the second half, but their goalkeeper was fantastic. Fortunately, we managed to score, and I think we defended well."
Regarding the opponent in the quarter-finals: "If we can face Sergio Ramos (Monterrey), that would be great. We know them less than Borussia Dortmund, but every match is tough, and we must respect the opponent. That’s what makes the tournament very exciting."
He continued: "What do you want to improve in this tournament? There are some nuances in the tournament, like the scheduling. For example, playing the UEFA Nations League just before the tournament is not ideal and does not help with recovery. We need to find a better balance, and it will be a wonderful tournament."
On Arnold: "He could have provided many assists in the tournament. His assists against Pachuca were excellent. In training, his shots are amazing; his free kicks and corners are at a high level. I don't think I've seen anyone with his shooting and crossing skills. As a goalkeeper, sometimes it's a nightmare. He keeps you alert and forces you to make a great effort to save. He helps us improve."
He emphasized: "I think we continue to improve. We watch a lot of videos, and we try to get better, and every match goes more smoothly. This is the right path, and I hope we reach the final."
He concluded: "If you believe four people on Twitter saying that the FIFA Club World Cup has no value, you are mistaken. Anyone who knows football understands the level of the teams."