Thibaut Courtois did not mince words after [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com)’s humbling 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup semi-final in New York. The Belgian goalkeeper, who was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable night, addressed the media post-game with honesty (as he always does), touching on the team’s performance, LaLiga president Javier Tebas’s controversial remarks, and the return of key defenders from injury.
### Courtois Responds to Tebas Criticism
Before the match, LaLiga president Javier Tebas had made dismissive comments about the Club World Cup, calling its format “meaningless” and suggesting it disrupted the European football calendar. Courtois, never shy in defending Real Madrid’s interests, delivered a pointed rebuttal:
> “In the end, LaLiga is always the same,” Courtois said. “Hearing those comments from a president is something I haven’t seen in Italy, England, or the NBA. Tebas may not like the Club World Cup, but it exists. We’re here, and it seems like this man wants a lot of attention. I haven’t seen any president of another competition speak like that.”
### “They Started Very Strongly”
On the pitch, it was PSG who looked like [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) winners — organized, ruthless, and composed. Courtois admitted Madrid failed to execute Xabi Alonso’s game plan and struggled under the French side’s relentless press.
> “They started very strongly. We lacked the coach’s plan of wanting to play and find space up front,” Courtois said. “We struggled to maintain possession, and they were good at finding the open man when pressing and creating a lot of danger.”
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> “In the second half, we had more of the ball but no shots. The first two goals doomed the game, and they were comfortable after that while we were less so. It’s a tough defeat, but it’s a defeat to learn from.”
Despite the heavy loss, Courtois emphasized that this match should serve as a reality check.
> “We’re on the right track, and sometimes a blow like that helps you know there’s still a lot of work ahead and we have to get to their level. They won the Champions League and they’ve been good in this tournament, and we have to get there next year.”
### Defensive Fragility Exposed
Real Madrid’s backline was torn apart by PSG’s movement and pace, particularly in transition. Real Madrid’s press was non-existent, and rotations were late. Courtois didn’t sugarcoat it:
> “You have to analyze the video. We were always a little late and when you arrive late, everyone is out of position,” he explained. “They run forward and you have to turn and you lose time. We weren’t on top of them and that’s a problem. With so much space for them, it’s difficult.”
### Silver Lining: Militao and Carvajal Return
> “We’re happy for both of them who were able to return,” Courtois said. “Now we’re taking our holidays, and having them with us is great, feeling like a player again, and it’s positive for the team that they’re back.”
He also paid tribute to Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, who are both expected to depart:
> “It’s a shame for Luka and Lucas, but they’re two Real Madrid legends, and we wish them the best.”