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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.

Thibaut Courtois Criticises Real Madrid Squad Following Liverpool Defeat
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.

WHY AC MILAN ARE TURNING TO REAL MADRID’S BACKUP ANDRIY LUNIN TO REPLACE MIKE MAIGNAN

AC Milan is preparing a €15M bid for Andriy Lunin. Discover why the Real Madrid keeper is now the favourite to take over at San Siro.

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Is Andriy Lunin The Solution To Milan

AC Milan might go after Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid this summer, according to Defensa Central. Apparently, Milan is having trouble getting Mike Maignan to sign a new contract.

So, Lunin is high on their list as a possible replacement. He did sign a deal to stay with Real Madrid until 2030, but Milan is still watching him while things with Maignan are up in the air.

Reportedly, Milan gave Maignan a final offer of €7 million per season, but he's not sure about it. Because of this, the club is now scouting for other options.

If Maignan leaves, Milan's bosses plan to offer between €10 million and €15 million for Lunin. They think that's a fair price for a keeper with his experience.

Real Madrid usually doesn't do winter transfers. The club has already said they won't sell anyone in January, except for loaning Endrick to Lyon. So, they won't even think about a deal for Lunin until the season is over.

Lunin turned down offers from Turkish clubs last summer to compete for his spot at Real Madrid. The chance to start every week at Milan could change his mind. At 26, he's currently Courtois' backup. A move in 2026 could give him the playing time he wants. Manchester United was also interested in Lunin last summer, so there'll be plenty of teams after him.

Why Real Madrid Should Ask for More or Keep Lunin

Lunin showed what he's capable of when he filled in for Courtois. He has the skills to play at the highest level. He saved Real Madrid many times, including in important Champions League games. Because of his input, his value has increased.

The rumoured price of €10 million to €15 million seems too low. Lunin was key to Real Madrid's defence for most of the 2023/24 season. Real Madrid should ask for way more if they decide to sell. If not, they should keep him as a backup in case Courtois gets hurt again.

Selling him for that little would be a mistake. It’s almost impossible to find another backup as good as him for that price these days. It's hard to keep a keeper who wants to be the number one, but Xabi Alonso thinks having a deep squad is very important.

Real Madrid needs to think about the money versus the risk on the field. Letting a talent like Lunin go for cheap would be a bad move. Madrid should keep him unless Milan makes a much better offer. Having two top-notch goalkeepers creates a sense of security that money can't often buy.

MARKET REPORT: WHY CHELSEA IS SUDDENLY THE FAVORITE TO RESIGN ANTONIO RüDIGER

Antonio Rüdiger is considering a shock return to Chelsea as Real Madrid pause contract talks. Read why Xabi Alonso is hesitant.

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Chelsea to Explore a Free Transfer for Antonio Rüdiger

Word on the street is that Antonio Rudiger might head back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid player is thinking about coming back to the Premier League. His deal with Real Madrid runs out in 2026, and he hasn't agreed to a new one yet. There's talk he might leave next summer and maybe even team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

Contract Talks On Hold

Back in November, Marca said that Rudiger and Real Madrid started talking about a new contract, but those talks are on pause now. His current contract is up at the end of the season. They started talking months ago, threw some numbers around, and both sides seemed to want a deal.

But they stopped talking after Rudiger hurt his muscle in September. They decided it wasn't right to make a deal while he was getting better.

Back to Chelsea?

Rudiger played for Chelsea for five years, winning a Champions League title, before moving to Real Madrid in 2022. Now, he might go back to Chelsea. There are rumours that Chelsea wants him back next summer, according to Diario AS.

Also, Paris Saint-Germain is interested, and Galatasaray is watching what's happening with him in Madrid.

Besides Europe, he's also wanted in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are thinking about trying to get him next year.

What Alonso Thinks

BILD said in October that Xabi Alonso, the Madrid boss, isn't totally sold on Rudiger. He thinks Rudiger has been getting injured too much and hasn't been playing consistently. Also, Dean Huijsen, who joined in the summer, has been playing great and has already won a starting spot. Huijsen and Eder Militao have been a solid pair in the back, but Militao got hurt recently.

Madrid Might Not Sign Two Defenders

Even with Rudiger's future up in the air, AS says that Madrid isn't looking to sign two defenders anymore. They were looking at Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Both of those guys might leave their clubs since they're in the last six months of their contracts.

There were reports that Real Madrid wasn't interested in Konate because he hadn't been playing well lately. They might still move next summer, but it probably won't be to Real Madrid.

Alonso's team plays Real Betis at home on January 4 after the winter break.

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