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THIBAUT COURTOIS CRITICISES REAL MADRID SQUAD FOLLOWING LIVERPOOL DEFEAT

Thibaut Courtois criticised Real Madrid's "unnecessary fouls" after their 1-0 loss to Liverpool. The goalkeeper, named man of the match, said his team gave away too many set-pieces in dangerous areas at Anfield.

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Courtois Hits Out at Real Madrid Teammates - Image via RTVE

After seeing his goal bombarded by Liverpool during a 1-0 victory for the Reds, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has urged his colleagues to be more intelligent when giving up free kicks. Even though Courtois was named the game's MVP, Real Madrid's second loss of the year was hardly much comfort.

The Belgian goalie shared manager Xabi Alonso's belief that his team played good defence most of the time, regardless of set plays.

Through MD, he told Movistar, "It is unfortunate; I tried to keep the squad together, but in the second half in particular, we committed too many fouls near the area, where they are good, and that is how they scored the goal."

Regardless of the outcome, Courtois was quick to note that it would not be an easy trip to Anfield.

"We played strong defence and had good ball control, but we lacked something in the last third, as we had trouble moving forward and lost possession too frequently. We must get better. In the end, even though we do not want to, we could lose since we are playing at one of the most difficult venues in the Champions League. We must now defeat Olympiakos on the road before hosting Manchester City.

"These are matches that are determined by details, but it is a really tough venue where you may lose; you have to step up and play better."

Courtois said, "I hope Liverpool fans forgive Trent."


The reception of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was jeered during the warm-up and anytime he came off the bench with the ball, was one of the main talking topics in the meantime. Courtois expressed his hope that Liverpool supporters would forgive him in the end to BeIN Sports.

I am not passing judgment on the fans. However, as a player, you have a single career, make choices, and have aspirations. He attended Real Madrid, which is, in my opinion, the biggest club in the world, rather than a rival team like Manchester United. I know they are upset; perhaps they wished it had been different, but it was a sincere choice, and I hope the supporters will eventually forgive him and allow him to return home, where they will honour him for all the trophies he has won.


There were some unwarranted fouls.


Courtois believed that prevention was the best way to defend the set pieces, which were a huge talking point. Courtois was not pleased that Jude Bellingham had given away the free-kick that ultimately resulted in Alexis Mac Allister's goal.

"I believe we committed too many fouls, giving them the chance to score, even if we knew they were dangerous from set pieces and perhaps the smallest one scored." However, aside from that, I believe we played good defence, and aside from the first opportunity, I do not think they had many huge, big chances in open play.

While certain fouls are required to halt a hazardous onslaught, others are not. I believe the foul that resulted in the goal was called when he spotted Jude's leg, but it was not necessary. We had to keep possession in the opposing team's half since we lacked clean passes. We must get better at that while playing strong opponents away from home.

ENZO MARESCA CONFIRMS LATEST ON COLE PALMER AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Chelsea will be without Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer for their Champions League tie against Qarabag. Manager Enzo Maresca provided the injury update, confirming Palmer is out until after the international break.

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Palmer is out until after the international break - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Several Chelsea first-team players will not play against Qarabag in the Champions League tonight.

In addition to providing us with an update on Cole Palmer's health, manager Enzo Maresca has already stated that winger Pedro Neto will miss the European match.

"It is not a problem, just a tiny issue," he stated during a press conference regarding Neto's ailment. We will do our best to keep him safe. He will not be playing in the game tomorrow.

"Reece [James] is performing great; his behaviour in every game is excellent. Even when he is not playing, the way he is with his team-mates in the changing room.

"We do not use Reece up and down in our usage of him. When we use full-backs in a different method, it is a big job to achieve that. In a week, he is prepared to play three games.

Cole Palmer, an England international, will not be returning until after the forthcoming international break due to a groin issue.

"We attempt to schedule the beginning with Cole, and then we need to review it," Maresca explained. "With Cole, we go day by day.

"He is not participating in any team sessions."

BAYERN DIRECTOR CONFIRMS TALKS OVER UPAMECANO FUTURE AMID LIVERPOOL INTEREST

Liverpool is keen on Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano as they seek a new centre-back. The French defender is out of contract soon, with Bayern director Max Eberl confirming new deal talks.

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Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano - Photo Credit: Getty Images

After failing to buy a centre-back in the summer, Liverpool is still looking to sign one in the forthcoming transfer window. The sporting director of Bayern Munich has provided an interesting update on Dayot Upamecano's future.

In the summer, Liverpool made significant purchases, bringing in players like Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield and Alexander Isak from Newcastle in a Premier League record deal.

Although Arne Slot's team wants to win the Premier League again, they have struggled lately and are already seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

That might lead them to increase their interest in Dayot Upamecano, a defender for Bayern Munich, who sparked attention last month. According to Bayern director Max Eberl, clubs contacting his agent is "typical" when discussing a possible move.

Following Premier League interest, the Bayern director updates Upamecano's contract.


Max Eberl, the director of Bayern Munich, has stated that the Frenchman is in negotiations with the Bundesliga champions over Upamecano's future with the team.

"It is normal if other clubs are phoning his representatives; it is part of the game," he said following their Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

We want to try our hardest to complete the new contract, as I have already stated. We are working on it.

According to Sources, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool have all discussed the possibility of signing Upamecano when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

The French defender will be allowed to sign a pre-contract with a club outside of Germany by the end of the year, so intermediaries have been working hard on his behalf to assess his alternatives.

Although they will have to stave off interest from their top four competitors, Liverpool is keen on his talents, so a Premier League move is definitely not out of the question.

Although  StadiumNest is aware that Upamecano is aware of his possibilities and that English interest is strong, Bayern is still in negotiations with him in an attempt to keep him from leaving on a free agent.

This summer, Liverpool might have the best centre-back options.


When it comes to Liverpool's summer backline makeover, there are many moving components.

Since Ibrahima Konate, their own French defender, is also out of contract, Real Madrid is interested in signing him, something the Anfield team is also trying to resolve.

Additionally, there is interest in England defender Marc Guehi, whose deal was thwarted despite Liverpool and Crystal Palace agreeing on a £35 million fee on the day of the transfer deadline.

Guehi is another defender whose contract is up, and Liverpool may have the best option if Konate leaves, if they can make it to the Champions League following a stuttering season.

The Blues may try to sign Upamecano after Chelsea great John Obi Mikel said in the past that Chelsea will not win the Premier League with their present backline.

However, Arne Slot will have the added benefit of guaranteeing Upamecano minutes if Konate departs Liverpool, which might close a deal.

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