Courtois: ‘Dangerous’ Juventus, Vini Jr. must ‘deal with conflict’

Thibaut Courtois says Juventus are a ‘dangerous’ team, but his press conference was dominated by questions about Vinicius Junior: ‘It’s not always easy when the whole stadium is targeting you.’

Belgium international Courtois held a press conference on Tuesday, on the eve of a Champions League game against Juventus.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at Real Madrid’s training centre in Valdebebas.

Tomorrow, Courtois will make his 300th appearance with Real Madrid.

“I’m really proud of this number. I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid as a kid, and making my 300 appearances makes me proud,” he said.

“Juventus are a dangerous team. They don’t come from a great moment, but we know they are dangerous in attack and defence. It will be tough, but we’ll need intensity.”

Real Madrid have a tough fixture list as they’ll be playing Barcelona in La Liga after the Juventus game.

“The preparation is the same. Good preparation, good training and good rest,” said Courtois.

“We want to be ready from a tactical point of view. When the Bernabeu pushes us, everything becomes easier for us. It gives us energy to keep fighting.”

Like in Italy with Milan-Como, La Liga will also export a league game abroad, with Villarreal-Barcelona set to be played in Miami in December. Courtois is among the many La Liga players unhappy with the decision, which, he believes, could alter the competition for the title.

“Yes, entirely. It’s easy to talk about the NFL or NBA, but it’s not the same,” he said.

“It could change the competition, and it doesn’t show respect for the players. I don’t think it’s right because you should always play at home and away against everyone.”

Questions about Vinicius Junior dominated the press conference as the Brazilian was criticised by Getefe players over the weekend for his attitude.

The Brazilian was introduced as a substitute and caused a red card for the home side.

“He’s often targeted when he enters stadiums, and sometimes he reacts,” said Courtois.

“I think he responded well, and he created danger when he was introduced. He’s a smart guy, and he needs to keep going like this because he’s started the season well.

“It’s not always easy when the whole stadium is targeting you. I’ve always seen him doing well. I think that if he’s learned to deal with the conflict, it’s good. I remember Diego Costa used to drive opponents crazy, and if he manages to do that, it’ll be perfect for us. He’s one of the best in the world.

“I just want him to score goals, assists and win games. The other day, he didn’t say anything wrong,” concluded Courtois.

“The opponents tried to provoke him. They were hitting him off the ball. With the second yellow card, the opponent hit him from behind, and the referee actually protected Vinicius a bit. We can’t allow defenders to hit players when they don’t have the ball. The second yellow card was more than deserved.”