Real Madrid faces Pachuca tonight at 9 p.m. in its second match of the Club World Cup group stage, which the team needs to win after stumbling in its first match, which ended in a draw against Al Hilal. In the run-up to the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was one of the players who spoke to the press and, in addition to analyzing the current state of the tournament, he talked about his future at Real Madrid.
Courtois and his contract renewal
Thibaut Courtois’ last few seasons have been marked by injuries, but the Belgian has always performed at the highest level between the posts. His great performance means that, despite being 33 years old, Real Madrid is considering renewing the goalkeeper’s contract for more than a year. From July 1, one year before his current contract expires, Real Madrid will offer Courtois a new contract, which is expected to be signed this summer.
The new contract seeks to extend his contract for two more years, until the summer of 2028, when the goalkeeper will be 36 years old. The player is happy and, barring any surprises, will accept the renewal agreement. He spoke about the matter in the run-up to the match against Pachuca, making his intentions clear. “I hope I can renew. I’m very happy at Real Madrid, playing here is a dream and every year that passes is another dream. I’m at the club’s disposal, they know I’d like to stay here… and hopefully retire here. But now it’s time to prove myself on the pitch. The rest will be easy to resolve.”
Patience with changes to the team
During his time in the mixed zone, the goalkeeper asked for patience with the changes that are being made to the team. “I can’t give an exact date or say how many days it will take. But we’ve been at it for a week and we’re getting closer to what the coach wants. We’re watching videos, having meetings… and there’s no choice but to try things out and see what works. Normally, there would be a preseason with three, four or five games, but here it’s the opposite. This is starting and we’re already in a tournament. That’s what Xabi said: we have to go out there to win, give our all and wait.“
Ancelotti’s ‘automatisms’
After the poor performance against Al Hilal, Courtois said that it was not easy to undo the work done in four days and eliminate the automatisms acquired under Ancelotti. His words caused a stir and the player had to clarify his comments. ”But I didn’t mean it as a criticism. Not at all. We’ve won so much in the last four years! I just meant that it’s different now. But it’s not a criticism, it’s just that there comes a time when you have to adapt to something different, get closer to that style. It’s not a criticism of the last four years, it’s just something different.”
Relationship with Huijsen
The Belgian goalkeeper was also asked about his relationship with the new center back who has joined the team, Dean Huijsen. “We almost always speak Dutch, it just comes naturally. He’s a great center back… Also in size! (Laughs) You have to get used to playing with him. The first game went well, but all these processes take time. He’s a smart guy and he’ll do well.”
Pachuca, a familiar opponent
Finally, he focused on the World Cup, analyzing the Whites’ next opponent, whom they must beat. “Of course, we’re playing in December! They’re a great team and they’ve signed Kennedy, who I played with at Chelsea. They’re a great team and they’ll make it difficult.”