After Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu, Thibaut Courtois didn’t hold back in offering constructive feedback to his teammate, Kylian Mbappé, during an interview with Real Madrid TV.
The match marked a vital rebound for Los Blancos following their midweek Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Mbappé, who faced criticism for his performance against Liverpool, redeemed himself with a brilliant first-half goal in La Liga, assisted by Jude Bellingham, giving Madrid a comfortable lead. However, the French forward missed several opportunities in the second half, including two clear one-on-one chances, which left his teammates frustrated.
Courtois, known for his leadership both on and off the field, discussed both the positives and areas that needed improvement after the game.
Courtois’ Critique While Supporting Mbappé
Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, the Belgian goalkeeper praised their strong recovery but pointed out the missed opportunities in front of goal:
“We responded well after Wednesday’s loss. We could have scored more, but in the second half, we stopped playing. It’s unfortunate that Kylian couldn’t finish his chances, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he finds his form. He’ll score many goals this season.”
Courtois didn’t just focus on finishing but also stressed the importance of defensive contributions from all players, including star forwards like Mbappé, to maintain their momentum in the league.
A Call for Team Unity
For Courtois, football is a collective effort, and every player must share defensive duties:
“The commitment of all eleven players is crucial. Whether you’re a striker or a winger, everyone must contribute to defending. We were fortunate with the posts today, but we can’t rely on luck every time.”
Courtois also celebrated a personal achievement, marking his 250th appearance for Real Madrid. Expressing pride, he thanked the club and its supporters.
As Real Madrid presses forward in their La Liga campaign, Courtois’ comments serve as a reminder that a unified team effort, from defense to attack, will be key to their hopes of winning the league title in May.