Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Real Madrid have had a knack for losing players at the end of their contracts lately, as evidenced by the departures of Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal, among others.
But the club are keen on avoiding the same scenario for the team’s star player, Thibaut Courtois, whose contract at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season.
It was reportedly recently that Real Madrid are looking at Diogo Costa as a potential replacement for Courtois, in case he leaves the club. But it appears Courtois is not leaving any time soon.
One step away from renewal
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid are happy with Courtois’ performances. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are only one step away from renewing the contract of Courtois this season.
Los Blancos are nearing an agreement with the Belgian international over a new deal until the summer of 2028, effectively translating into a one-year extension.
This is the formula Real Madrid follow for older players, giving them one-year contracts until they are deemed not good enough to play for the club.
In the case of Courtois, Real Madrid believe he has done more than enough to earn a new contract.
At 34, the former Chelsea star is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has been an important custodian for the team’s success.
A different strategy for Courtois
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid player
Courtois is a key leader in the Real Madrid team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
What is particularly striking is that Real Madrid are not willing to wait until the end of the season to evaluate whether or not Courtois can continue at the Bernabeu.
They want to renew the contract of the Belgian as soon as possible, thereby negating the possibility of him speaking to other clubs.
This is a far cry from the strategy Real Madrid applied to the likes of Modric, Carvajal, Nacho or even Lucas Vazquez.
The club waited until the last minute to make a decision, with the players ultimately ending up leaving the club. That won’t happen with Courtois, who is expected to continue at the Bernabeu.
Carreras, Bernardo Silva speak after Real Madrid 4-1 Rayo Vallecano: ‘Very happy and living a dream’
Alvaro Carreras, Real Madrid player
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe, Alvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham were all on the scoresheet for Real Madrid in the team’s 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano last night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After dropping three points against Real Betis in the previous matchday, there was pressure on the men in white to turn matters around and come out with a win last night, and they did so in some style.
There were indeed moments of worry, and the opponents could even have equalised on the night. A compact defensive performance, however, ensured they could not get back into the game.
Carreras’ post-game interview
Alvaro Carreras spoke to the media after the game last night and he spoke out about how the team did well to press from the get-go.
“I highlight, above all, the intensity from the first minute. We go out together and with the desire to show that we are at home, that we are a team and that at home it is more than important to add up three by three. We left with that mentality and we did it.”
Alvaro Carreras, Real Madrid player
A well-deserved goal for Carreras. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Elaborating on the performance and the result that the men in white secured on the night and the great goal he scored, the player said,
“It was a great game for the team, but I’m happy for the goal, which is the first of the year. I received Jude’s ball, I gave it to Kylian, I was lucky that he returned it to me in the area and I finished aside. I’m happy.”
Carreras was then asked how it felt to have an important role in the current Real Madrid team under the new manager, to which he said,
“I’m very happy and living a dream, as I said from the first day. To continue enjoying this incredible experience that is playing in the best club in the world and to continue working to achieve the team’s goals.”
He also spoke out on what the manager expects from his full-backs and what he asks of them in training and in games.
“He wants demand. It’s hard to endure the 90 minutes with a one hundred percent demand. In the last minutes, I think he put Cucurella in to help me defensively and help the team.”
“We were suffering a little. In the last game it was my turn to help him and today it was his turn to help me,” he added.
Finally, the left-back was asked about the team’s mentality, and he had only positives to highlight.
“We have the mentality set in the objectives. We want to go out to win all the games forward, pressing and, above all, finishing all the plays, we know that there are a lot of goals, and we are showing it.”
Bernardo Silva’s thoughts
Bernardo Silva also spoke to the media after the win, and the veteran midfielder highlighted the importance of the three points they secured on the night.
“We are very happy because the three points are the most important thing. Four goals, one rout, and we are very happy, mainly with the first half, but in general with the whole game. To prepare for the next one, which is very close.”
“There is no doubt about the offensive strength and ability to score goals of this team. Also, here at the Bernabéu with our people. Today, once again, we have been able to create a lot, to generate and we are very happy for the three points,” he added.
Bernardo Silva of Real Madrid
Silva is still trying to settle into the Real Madrid setup. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
He then explained how his adaptation to the club is going and how he feels happy with the role he has under Jose Mourinho.
“It’s a new experience. I’m still trying to get to know my teammates and the way to play, and where I can improve to help the team. I’m adapting, but very happy.”
“We have started well, apart from the game in Seville, the team has been very good in all of them. In three days we have another very important game away to win the three points,” he added.
Finally, Silva also spoke on what the manager expects of him on the field and the manager’s dynamics as a whole.
“Mainly, with the ball, help a lot at the start and give that fluidity to the game so that the ball reaches the people in front in the best conditions, with the ability they have to dribble.”
“For Vini, Jude, Kylian and Diomande, it is very important that the ball reaches them well. Then, without the ball, it also helps a lot in the pressure and in the defensive part, where we have a lot of work.”
“I’m trying to adapt, to be the best possible version of myself to help the team, and I keep working,” he concluded.