Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has slammed his teammates for their poor performance against Arsenal, which resulted in Los Blancos’ elimination from the Champions League quarterfinals following a defeat at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has openly criticized his team-mates following their elimination from the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal. The Spanish giants suffered a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of the quarter-finals at the Santiago Bernabéu, resulting in a 5-1 aggregate loss to the Gunners.
Courtois, who made crucial saves during the match, including stopping Bukayo Saka’s penalty, expressed frustration with his team’s performance. He highlighted their lack of cohesion and reliance on individual brilliance, stating, “We are a team, but sometimes I feel like we play too individually. If we want to win, we need to be better”.
The Belgian goalkeeper also praised Arsenal’s organization and defensive strategy, acknowledging their superiority over the two legs. He remarked, “We lost against a superior Arsenal and we have to accept it. They defend well, are well-organized, and press effectively, making it difficult to find space”.
Courtois pointed out the absence of a natural striker in Real Madrid’s lineup, referencing Joselu, who was sold last summer. He emphasized the need for improvement as the team still has important competitions ahead, including La Liga, the Copa del Rey final, and the Club World Cup.
This candid critique from Courtois underscores the challenges facing Real Madrid as they aim to regroup and finish the season on a high note. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s impressive performance has earned them a spot in the semi-finals, marking their first appearance at this stage since 2009.
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