🏟️Brest – Real Madrid : The press conference of Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtoiss’expressed at’a press conference on the eve of’a crucial Champions League match against Brest. With its legendary calm and lucidity the Belgian covered a variety of topics, ranging from the recovery of teammate David Alaba to the tactical challenges of the upcoming game. Here are the highlights of this conference.

How go David Alaba after his return to the field?

Thibaut Courtois: David is doing very well. It’ is always difficult to come back after a long absence, especially when we don’t’a friendly matches to find the rhythm. But he is working hard to adapt to the rhythm of official matches. Those who have already gone through this kind of situation know how hard it’s physically and mentally. I told him : « You will see, in a few months you will be back on the field, enjoying playing football. » And it’ is exactly what happens. We are very happy with his return, and I am convinced that’il will be decisive for us in this second part of the season.

In the dressing room, do you feel a « debt » towards the big teams ?

I would not say that’there is a debt. The season is still long, and there are still many games to play. For example, the derby against’Atletico was intense, and the Supercut was a blow, but we reacted well. What matters is to stay constant and prove in every match that we are a great team. Winning tomorrow is the priority. Then we will think about the following matches, like the one against’Espanyol.

Do you know any Brest players?

Not much, actually. I know their goalkeeper, because he played in Belgium, but that’s EVERYTHING. J’ watched some of their matches, as against Leverkusen, and it’ is a team that knows what’elle is doing. They want the ball, they close the spaces well and are very hard to maneuver. They play with intensity, especially at home. It will be a difficult match.

What do you think about the’team of Brest ?

I am impressed by their level of play. Physically, they are very solid, and they play well collectively. The city may be cold, but here in Spain, we are used to difficult conditions too. We will have to work very hard to beat them, but we are ready for this challenge.

Do you think Real Madrid are suffering as much as the other big European clubs this season?

The Champions League is a very demanding competition. There are always times when you may seem less domineering, but what’important is to stay alive in the competition. Even though we have lost a few games, we are still there, ready to face the big teams of’Europe. Reaching the Top 8 is a challenge, but I firmly believe that we have the resources and the’ state to get there.

Carlo Ancelotti stresses the importance of S’improvement in defence. What’en do you think?

He’s right. We need to manage the game starts better. Sometimes we complicate situations that should be simple, such as against Las Palmas or Valladolid. But this’ is not just a matter of defenders. The whole’ team must be involved, including the attackers, who must press better. If we want to go far, we have to be strong defensively, because in attack we have already proven that we know how to score.

At the level where Mbappe currently plays, is he the best player in the world?

Yes, absolutely. It is one of the best’s in the world. We are lucky to have several outstanding players like him in our team: Kylian, Vinicius, and even Rodrygo. Better to have them with us than against us, it’is certain!

How do you see tomorrow’s game?

It will be a difficult match, it’is sure. Brest is a physical team, with a very big striker and talented players. But we are in a good dynamic. We played well recently, scored a lot of goals and defended better. This is the time to show that we are competitive and able to play a great game. The’objective is clear: win and

secure our place in the knockout stages.