Courtois: “I stayed calm, I know my worth”

It’s been 534 minutes since Thibaut Courtois last conceded a goal with Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper kept his fifth consecutive clean sheet for his team and spoke to the press after the game, revealing what went through his mind after the home draw against Brugge, when he faced the criticism of the fans and even some rumors suggesting that reserve goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was going to start.

“I stayed calm, I know what I’m worth. It’s normal that they expect more from a goalkeeper of my level. I was feeling good and sooner or later the sun comes out, I never lost my confidence,” said Courtois.

“It’s good for the whole team to keep a clean sheet. It’s not only the goalkeeper’s work, but the whole team’s. We have to defend and attack as a whole and it’s very hard to score on us that way. We only have to work, have confidence on ourselves and keep working even now that things are looking brighter,” added the keeper.

Courtois praised Eden Hazard, who completed his best game as a Real Madrid player with a great performance against Eibar.

“He’s played well other games too. Today he played a great game, he couldn’t score but he was a decisive player and I hope he can score a few goals to improve his confidence, even though he doesn’t need it. I want the fans to enjoy his goals, he will be successful here,” concluded Courtois when asked about his friend.