Courtois: “Hazard is sad, this injury is a little setback”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois talked to the press after the team’s 1-0 victory against Valladolid on their third game of the 2020-2021 Liga season. Courtois was arguably Real’s Man of the Match with another brilliant performance, being the main reason why Madrid kept a clean sheet and were able to get the three points.

“We knew this would be a tough game, last year they managed to score the equalizer during the last few minutes of the game. In the first half they didn’t create many chances, but they did so in the second and I had to make three good saves,” said Courtois.

The goalkeeper was asked about Madrid’s tactical changes after coach Zinedine Zidane decided to start a surprising lineup with Jovic and Benzema playing together with Isco behind them.

“With these changes you can surprise the opponent if you’re flexible but you also need to have pace. The thing is we have to do what the coach tells us to do, that’s what we did in the second half and we could’ve scored some more goals in that stretch,” he added.

Courtois also talked about his good friend Eden Hazard, who suffered a muscle injury right when he was set to make his season debut for Madrid.

“He’s a bit sad, because he was training very well this whole week and was looking forward to coming back. He had his usual speed, the one I know. This injury is a bit of a setback, but at least it’s not related to his ankle,” concluded the Belgian goalkeeper.

Real Madrid will face Levante next Sunday hoping that Courtois enjoys an easier game.