Thibaut Courtois talks El Clasico, Endrick, Lunin and fitness after Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: “He is a bit like Eden Hazard”

Thibaut Courtois did not participate in the recently concluded European Championships and was amongst the first to return to training under Carlo Ancelotti last month.

The veteran goalkeeper who played 45 minutes against AC Milan in the first pre-season friendly once again started vs Barcelona last night.

He played all 90 minutes in New York, recording four saves including three from inside the box. Unfortunately, it was not enough as the team fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Speaking to the media after the underwhelming result, Courtois commented on a plethora of topics ranging from his fitness to the team’s new signings.

The Belgian shot-stopper began by providing an outline of the game that unfolded in New York and his takeaways from the ninety minutes.

“We were quite competitive, we created, we worked well. We are never happy with a defeat, but the game could have gone anywhere.”

“It’s pre-season, we’re still working well and also many guys have played the last 20 minutes and very well. That’s the good thing about the game and to keep taking minutes for the match against Atalanta,” he added.

Speaking on the team’s young debutants Jacobo Ramon, Rafael Obrador and Lorenzo Aguado Herrera, the veteran did not hesitate to heap praise on their quality.

“It is incredible. Debuting with Real Madrid at that age in a stadium of 80,000 people, even if it is pre-season, has to be unique.”

“They have fought very well, they have shown quality and enthusiasm. Jacobo has run the whole line. It’s what these guys are asked to do and have personality,” he added.

The goalkeeper was then asked to provide an update on his physical fitness and feelings ahead of the new season.

“I feel very good and want to help from day one. These are times to continue learning, even as a goalkeeper,” he said.

“I feel good with the saves, blocks and even the passes. That’s what the coach asks me for and that is what he work on,” he added.

While Courtois’ return to complete fitness is great news for Real Madrid, one player who stands to lose is Andriy Lunin. Forced back to the bench despite his performances last season, the Ukrainian has been widely linked with a departure.

“I’m not to decide for him. I understand that he played a lot last year and he wants to continue playing. He is a great goalkeeper and deserves the best,” Courtois said when asked about Lunin.

“These pre-seasons we play matches that are interesting for the fans and for the public that goes to the stadium. In the end, the stadiums are filled when Real Madrid plays,” he added.

The 32-year-old then went on to give his two cents on losing against Barcelona in pre-season once again, insisting that pre-season friendlies counted for nothing.

“That we don’t like to lose against Barcelona is obvious. Even if it’s pre-season, you don’t want to lose. But in the end what count are the official games in the season.”

Finally, Courtois was asked to speak on Endrick, Real Madrid’s new signing who even started the clash vs Barcelona.

“He doesn’t have much height, but has very strong legs. He is a bit like Eden Hazard I played with at Chelsea, who has strong legs.”

“You can kick him and he’ll still stand up. And he has a lot of strength in the shot. In training I have seen him kick hard,” he added.

“Above all, I think it has to be a little calmer. I don’t know if he’s a little nervous. It’s going to get better and better,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA