Real Madrid -goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returns between the sticks against Arsenal in the Champions League, except a big surprise. The Belgian star is missing against Leganes, Real Sociedad and Valencia, because of hamstring discomfort, but he has confirmed that he is suitable for playing at the Emirates.
Andriy Lunin, his usual delegate, could be seen against Leganes and La Real, but nursed muscle discomfort itself. It led to a bittersweet for 19-year-old goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez against Valencia in their 2-1 defeat, but Courtois told the media that he was back and completely fit.
“In the end I had a small problem, something that forced me to take it day after day because it would take a little longer to recover, but I am now training a few and everything is good. I am 100%. And the team too. After the defeat against Valencia we have to change our mentality … Now it is the Champions League. And we have to win a.”
“Yes, yes, I am 100%. Whether I am going to play or not a question is for the coach, but I feel ready. There is no problem. After a while in the gym I have already had several training sessions on the field and I feel good.”
He noted that his absence of their last three games was precaution rather than to the fact that he could not have played.
“I am doing well. 'Different' … I don't know, I had two at the start of the season that were related to the adductor muscle, one against athletics of a lot of beating, something normal, something that can lead to a tear, and the second, perhaps from the return of too early. Wait to wait tomorrow and not Saturday.”
The 32-year-old never lacked confidence in his own capacity and his own side, and showed little signs that he has not lost at home in Europe in Europe in the last two years. That statistics was raised by Bukayo Saka in his press conference.
“No, I didn't know that. But I don't think it's something that would change a lot. It would be as if we say that we have won 15 champions competitions; it would not change much. They are a strong team at home, but that was Liverpool, and we have won 5-2. There are teams that are in the house, but that's not much for tomorrow.”
One of the big talk points during the press obligations for Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti was the bravery of Arsenal from dead ball situations.
“We worked on it yesterday. We know how to defend them against them, although the first is to try not to admit too many corners. But … it is a matter of concentration and focusing, although sometimes, no matter how good you are, if the ball goes perfectly to the head of a player, it is difficult to defend,” he accepted.
Courtois also refuted the idea that there is a big attitude in Real Madrid when they go in European competitions compared to their screenings in La Liga.
“No, I don't think there is a big change. Perhaps it is more noticeable because it is the Champions League, but we take 100%seriously every game. It is not as if we just go for a walk in La Liga. Every game is very important, and we give it everything. In La Liga, and that is why there can be a small change.”
Neither was he mainly concerned about criticism that Real Madrid left after a few disappointing defensive versions.
“These things don't achieve us. We have enough when analyzing our games and see what we need to do better. A journalist can sometimes think one thing … When the job in the game, of that player, is another. We are not as interested in criticism of external criticism as we are in internal criticism: players, coaching … staff of the coaching …
“Perhaps on some nights, in the Champions League, the adrenaline may be higher, perhaps; but I don't think we don't give 100% in some games, because that is what this club, the shirt and fans demand of us. To give everything on the field. And then if you lose, you have lost. But I don't think we as players choose the games.”
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