Courtois: Clasico requires passion, Barcelona didn’t respect us much when they won

In an interview with Radio Cobe, Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois talked about the conflict in the national derby. He said that in the national derby, Barcelona needs to be regarded as the enemy and go all out, because the opponent did not respect Real Madrid much when they won.

Do you think the issue of Vinicius' appearance in the El Clasico has been resolved?

——He apologized and things turned around. At the end of the day, we're all human and anyone can react like that in a high-pressure game. I and many others have experienced this. But he apologized to the entire team and coaching staff.

After games, you do interviews - you're one of the few people who always do interviews - and sometimes you criticize the team. You analyze the results and sometimes criticize them quite harshly. Did this cause any problems between you and the team?

——I’m telling the truth, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. I don't think this is "bashing" the team; I'm just telling the truth. Otherwise, what’s the point of being interviewed? Sometimes things happen in a game that are obvious and need to be said. If anyone at the club has a problem with what I said, they can tell me.

I have not encountered this situation in Real Madrid, but I have in the national team. No problem, I also understand that some things can only be said in the locker room. I can look anyone in the eye and if I make a mistake, I admit it without hesitation, just like in the Copa del Rey when I made a mistake that resulted in a 2-2 draw and I apologized to the team afterwards.

Before the national derby, who provoked the conflict with Yamal? Is it the media, the King's League, or Yamal himself?

——I think sometimes we say things we don’t mean. In my opinion, Yamal is a great player who will create an era at Barcelona. But his words sparked controversy and the media rallied against him...

Regarding the conflict in Yamal after the El Clasico

- I saw him talking to Carvajal and then the conflict happened...so I said a few words to him. Like I said before, when we get emotional we say things we shouldn't. But that's what El Clasico is, we need that kind of atmosphere, that kind of passion, especially after last year's four-game losing streak. We need that fighting spirit, that feeling that we see Barcelona as the enemy and have to give it our all. Because when they won, they didn't respect us much.

But if Carvajal or Huizen is in the national team, I think Yamal will not have any problem, and if I see him, there will be no problem. It's just a joke on the field and you have to accept it. El Clasico is always motivating, but if you hear comments like this it makes you even more motivated. Of course, these are personal grievances for each player.

The Champions League match against Manchester City is approaching, and for many Real Madrid fans, it seems that this will be a real test for the head coach, especially after Liverpool's defeat. Do you think so too? Or do you think this is unfair?

- I think this is unfair because we also beat other strong teams. We did encounter difficulties on the road against strong teams, but there were also times when we lost due to our own mistakes. However, before the match against Manchester City we have a game against Olympiacos, which we must win to retain our top eight spot and avoid the play-offs in February.

Manchester City are in very good form now...

- Yes, I have watched their games. They have my compatriot Doku in the team, he is in great form and is very good. He is very fast and we have to limit him, Haaland and a few other players. But I believe we can do it because we have a strong team. We are currently ranked first in the league and among the top eight in the Champions League. We should not complicate things, nor should we only focus on negative news.

Do you pay special attention to your data at Real Madrid?

- I think I've played over 300 games and conceded maybe a little less than the number of games... maybe 290. And I think I have kept clean sheets in more than 100 games. I know this because my dad has been recording every game I played in an Excel spreadsheet since I started my career, and he would tell me which game I played today.

Do you analyze the opposing team’s penalty kickers?

- No, we work with Lopis on this and he will send me a personal analysis report after every game. But I also have a goalkeeper coach from Switzerland who we have worked with for many years. He will send me a summary report so that I can see where I need to improve and what I have done well.

Do you think you will be remembered as the greatest goalkeeper in Real Madrid history?

- No. Someone has said it to me before, or I've heard it said to me, but I think there is a "saint" who means a lot to Real Madrid fans and Spanish football: Casillas. However, hearing your name alongside theirs is a great honor in itself. To be remembered as one of the greats you have to win trophies and that's what I strive for.

No one will remember the eight shots I saved against Liverpool, so it’s important to keep winning trophies. When I retire from Real Madrid, everyone can have their say. I have dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper for Real Madrid since I was eight years old, and now my dream has come true. Every day here is wonderful. This is my happiest place.

Courtois: If I were to start a club, I would choose Mourinho as the coach. Cristiano Ronaldo has a stronger desire to win than Mbappe