Courtois: Cristiano Ronaldo has a stronger desire to win than Mbappe; if Real Madrid asks me to give up my position, I will accept it

Hupu reported on November 20 that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accepted an exclusive live interview with Radio Corbett.

[Gossip Board] Courtois: Telling the truth in the post-match interview is not called criticizing the team; the Yamal incident has passed

For many Real Madrid fans, the Champions League game with Manchester City is coming, which seems to be a real test for the head coach, especially after losing to Liverpool. Do you think so too? Or do you think this is unfair?

I think this is unfair because we have also beaten other strong teams. We do have difficulties away from home against top teams, but we also have times where we lose because of our own mistakes.

However, before the game against Manchester City, we have to face Olympiacos, and we must win this game to maintain our top eight position and avoid participating in the play-offs in February.

Manchester City is in very good shape now...

Yes, I saw it. 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 in the top eight in the Champions League. We should not overreact or focus only on negative news.

Do you often watch football games?

I watch fewer football games now than before. I only watch it when my son is at home, because he also likes to watch it. However, I will still pay attention to the results and some highlights.

Some players don't watch football games...

This situation is very common. Some people only know who their opponent is when they watch video with their coach, and that’s totally fine. I have loved football since I was a child and I still love watching it.

Will you miss Ancelotti?

He and Alonso are different people and different environments. To some, Ancelotti is like a father, even a grandfather, and he has a unique charm that is very different from the younger, more modern Xavi.

They are all very good coaches, each with their own style. I learned a lot from Carlo and I am forever grateful to him; but to say we were missing something would be disrespectful to Xavi.

If you were to start a football club, who would you choose to coach?

Mourinho (laughing). I don't know, it depends on which team you want to coach. My experience working with Mourinho at Chelsea was great, we won the league together, but it's hard to say.

I also like Eder Sarabia; I like his coaching style and his football philosophy at Elche. He is a promising coach who has done a good job at Elche.

Do you keep a close eye on your statistics at Real Madrid?

I think I have played over 300 games and conceded maybe a little less than this... 290. And I think I've kept over 100 clean sheets.

I know because since I started my career, my dad has been using an Excel sheet to record every game I play, and he will tell me which game I played today.

For example, would you analyze the opposing team’s penalty kicker?

No, we do it with Lopez and he gives me a personal analysis report after every game. But I also have a goalkeeping coach from Switzerland that we have worked with for many years, and he will give me a summary and let me see where I need to improve in my game and what I am doing well.

Do you think you will be remembered as the best goalkeeper in Real Madrid's history?

No. Well, someone has said this before, or I've seen it myself, but I think there is a "saint", Iker Casillas, who means a lot to Real Madrid fans and Spanish football. However, it is already a great honor to hear my name alongside theirs.

To be remembered as one of the greatest goalkeepers you have to win trophies and that's what I strive for. No one will remember the eight shots I saved against Liverpool, so the important thing is to keep winning trophies. After I retire from Real Madrid, everyone will be the judge.

When I was eight years old, I dreamed of becoming the goalkeeper of Real Madrid; now my dream has come true, and every day here is wonderful. This is my happiest place.

Mbappe or Ronaldo, who is better? What's the difference between them?

I didn’t have much contact with Ronaldo because he went to Juventus the summer when I came to Real Madrid. I think they are two different players, but Ronaldo has a stronger desire to win than Mbappe. But this year Mbappe has also shown a stronger desire to win; he has improved his game and truly led the team forward.

It can be seen that Mbappe is a leader player, and everyone will see it.

Why are you the fourth captain of Real Madrid and not the third captain?

Well, theoretically speaking, the captaincy is definitely linked to the time of joining. Vinicius has been with the club the longest, although he originally played for Castilla. But for me, it’s no problem and I’m honored to be one of Real Madrid’s four captains. But most importantly, everyone must stick together.

I know you have renewed your contract until 2027. At what age do you plan to retire?

Buffon played until he was in his forties...I don't think I will play for that long, but Neuer is 38 or 39 years old and still maintains a high level of competition. I have always wanted to play until I am 38 or 39 years old, and I hope to achieve this goal at Real Madrid.

If this is not possible, when the club decides, I will take the initiative to give up my position without any problems. I'm very happy here and I understand that sooner or later the club will want to find someone to take my place..

This is normal, I have experienced Cech's position change before; I learned a lot from him, and he always supported me when I was in difficulty. I will never change and if tomorrow the club needs another option I will keep working because for me the team always comes first.