Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed his new role under Xabi Alonso ahead of the Los Blancos 3-0 win against Real Oviedo on Sunday.
Madrid defeated Oviedo 3-0 at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Sunday, and Courtois was successful in maintaining consecutive clean-sheets in La Liga. Courtois made some vital saves throughout the game, including one just seconds after kick-off and was forced into another one late on before Madrid went on to score their third.
The new coach’s tactical adjustments appear to have played a big role in their strong start, with the goalkeeper revealing even he must run more and play further up the field.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV afterwards, the Belgian international opened up on how Alonso changed his role in the team, and about the manager’s overall instructions.
The 33-year-old said: “The coach asks us to start well, with a lot of forward pressure, monitoring… If you press too high, they can’t get out well, it’s very difficult for them. That’s what we tried against Osasuna and today too, and so far it’s going well. It may happen that they get out of that pressure and have a counterattack, but we have to be alert. That’s the line to follow.”
He added of his save in the 89th minute: “Against Osasuna, I didn’t have much work to do. The manager asks me to be very advanced, I’m running a lot, and often I’m almost in the middle of the field. I have to stay focused throughout the match and make that save, because if they score, it would be 1-2 and we could suffer in the final minutes. We were able to keep a clean sheet, which is good for everyone.
Courtois will be eager to continue his good form when Madrid return to action on August 30, when they take on Mallorca at the Bernabeu.
