Courtois: Competition among players is positive, this is what Mourinho asked of us

Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper for Real Madrid, expressed his happiness at the big win over Málaga by four goals, confirming that keeping a clean sheet is an important factor in boosting the team's confidence. He emphasized the need to continue working with the same seriousness throughout the matches.

Thibaut Courtois reflected on the match, stating: "It was a very good game. I think the first half was great, and we managed to score three goals. It is true that we dropped back a lot during the last five or ten minutes of the first half, and we allowed them to create some chances."

He added: "The coach asked us during the break to try to score more goals, but the most important thing was not to concede any. It's also important to know how to maintain the score, but we didn't play with the same quality in the second half."

He continued: "We had several chances, but we slowed down the pace a bit with the ball and gave the opponent more space to dominate possession, which is something we need to improve. In the end, we scored the fourth goal and finished the match well, but we needed to raise the tempo in the second half as well to please the fans at Santiago Bernabéu. Nevertheless, a 4-0 win is a good result."

Regarding Real Madrid's playing style, the Belgian goalkeeper explained: "I think this is the way we want to play, with a high tempo, control, and direct pressure after losing the ball. If we can do that in every match, I believe a beautiful year awaits us, but to achieve that, everyone must work for the full 90 minutes. I also hope that all players stay healthy, as that is the most important thing. The team we saw in the first half and the way we played is the path we must continue on."

Speaking about the importance of keeping a clean sheet, Courtois said: "It's important for confidence and for the whole team. The two goals we conceded in the league could have been avoided, and in the end, we learn from these things. When you are leading like this, you have to keep working well, because being 3-0 up at half-time can be a bit deceptive. You might lower the tempo, the opponent scores a goal and gains confidence, and maybe the second goal comes through bad luck, and suddenly you find yourself in a difficult match."

He explained: "This is what the coach said during the break, we must approach the match with the same seriousness whether we are leading 1-0 or 2-1. In the end, not conceding goals is a good thing; now we have a tough away match ahead of us, and after that, the UEFA Champions League begins, so we are approaching these weeks with great enthusiasm."

Regarding the changes made by the coach to the starting lineup, Courtois said: "The coach had already informed us that he would make several changes. He said that on Wednesday, as he wants to give a chance to a number of players, as everyone is training well, and there are certainly many players who deserve to participate."

He concluded: "I think it is important, if you want to go far in all competitions, to rely on all the players. We have a very strong squad, and if you look today at the bench, you will find a lot of quality, as well as in the starting lineup."

He concluded: "This is good for the coach when selecting players, and the competition among players is a positive thing, as it makes you keep working and realize that your place in the lineup is never guaranteed. This will make us better and stronger."