Courtois Talks Vinicius, Racism, Benzema, Kroos, Ancelotti, Zidane

In a candid conversation with Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, shared his thoughts on several key issues surrounding his time at the club, from tackling racism in football to reflecting on the leadership styles of legendary coaches.

Racism and Vinicius’ Battle

A central topic of discussion was the ongoing issue of racism in football. Courtois made it clear that racism is still a significant problem in the sport, particularly with the abuse that Vinicius Jr. has been subjected to over the years. He referred to the notorious incident in Valencia, where Vinicius was the target of racial slurs, resulting in prison sentences for those involved.

The Belgian goalkeeper called for a stronger response to such incidents from both the footballing community and the teams involved. “Sometimes it goes too far,” Courtois noted, stressing that there needs to be a zero-tolerance policy for racism in stadiums. He added that the team, as a whole, could have done more to stand up in moments like those in Valencia, and their reaction could have been more forceful in defense of Vinicius.

“I love a great atmosphere in a stadium, and I love it when there’s a great rivalry, but if you heard what we have to hear in some stadiums… it’s incredible,” Courtois explained. He shared that from the very first minute of every away game, Vinicius is targeted with boos and verbal abuse, with fans attempting to provoke him. However, Courtois praised Vinicius for learning how to handle this negative attention and maintaining focus despite the intense hostility.

A Dream Five-A-Side Team

Switching to a more lighthearted topic, Courtois was asked about his dream five-a-side team. He mentioned several players, including former teammates like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, and Vinicius Jr. Courtois praised the exceptional quality of these players, noting that they all had unique qualities that would make them formidable in a five-a-side setting.

When it came to Benzema, Courtois emphasized how the French striker could seamlessly blend the roles of a goal scorer and playmaker. “Benzema was like a number nine and a half,” Courtois explained, highlighting his ability to score goals and assist while also contributing to the overall play.

The Missing Kroos

In his reflections on the team’s current lineup, Courtois also spoke about Toni Kroos’ departure and the void he left behind. “Kroos? He knew what to do, left foot, right foot. He already knew before he would get the ball why he would pass it,” Courtois said. He acknowledged that Real Madrid is missing Kroos’ technique and passing vision, making it clear that his absence is felt both on and off the pitch.

Coaching Styles: Conte, Zidane, and Ancelotti

Reflecting on his time working under various coaches, Courtois compared Antonio Conte’s fiery intensity with the calm demeanor of Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. Courtois appreciated the calm and balanced leadership style that Ancelotti brings to the table, especially when dealing with high-pressure situations.

“I had coaches like Conte that would shout like crazy. It’s personalities,” Courtois stated. He noted that Zidane and Ancelotti maintained a sense of calm, allowing their words to hold more weight when the situation called for it. “But I like that because I like the balance between being calm and at the right moment, you get mad because then your words have an impact,” he added.

Legendary Goalkeepers: Casillas and Van der Sar

In the final part of the interview, Courtois expressed his admiration for two legendary goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar and Iker Casillas. He spoke about how Casillas’ rise at Real Madrid, at such a young age, made a significant impact on the team and set a standard for future generations.

“I loved Edwin van der Sar and Casillas. So Casillas was because of his young age when he came into the goal at Madrid,” Courtois said, acknowledging Casillas’ legendary status at the club.

Looking Ahead: Courtois’ Vision for Real Madrid

With his future firmly tied to Real Madrid, Courtois emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s elite status and continuing to strive for success in both domestic and international competitions. He stressed the need for a united effort both on and off the pitch to ensure that Real Madrid remains at the top of world football.

As Courtois continues to be one of the key figures in goal for Los Blancos, his insight into the club’s ongoing issues, as well as his reflections on past players and coaches, give a glimpse into the mind of one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His comments on racism also reflect his strong belief in the importance of unity within the football community, both in tackling societal issues and on the field.

This interview with Courtois not only provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Vinicius Jr. and other players in La Liga but also sheds light on Courtois’ personal values and his experiences working under some of the biggest names in football management. As Real Madrid continues to fight for glory, the goalkeeper’s role both on and off the field will remain integral to the club’s ambitions.