Mark van Bommel, Belgium coach
Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois will not be part of Mark van Bommel’s first Belgium squad, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper sitting out the upcoming Nations League fixtures after reaching an agreement with the new national team coach.
Courtois had already made clear that he intended to step away from Belgium’s Nations League campaign, prioritising his workload and recovery after a demanding period with Real Madrid.
Van Bommel subsequently travelled to Madrid to discuss the situation directly with the 34-year-old.
The meeting ended with both sides agreeing that Courtois would remain out of the squad for the upcoming fixtures, although Van Bommel has not closed the door on a return.
Van Bommel leaves door open for Courtois
Speaking during the squad announcement (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Van Bommel explained that the decision followed his conversation with Courtois and stressed that they would remain in contact.
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Courtois has not been included in Belgium’s squad for the Nations League. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
“I went to Madrid. We spoke and came to the conclusion that he would sit out the Nations League.”
The Belgium coach also acknowledged that circumstances could change, particularly if the squad suffers injuries, while stopping short of promising Courtois a place later in the competition.
“And if anything happens between now and then, we’ll stay in touch. We’ll see how the situation develops, although I can’t guarantee he will play.”
Van Bommel was nevertheless unequivocal about Courtois’ standing as a goalkeeper. Despite the decision to leave him out, the new coach still regards the Real Madrid star among the elite in world football.
“We don’t know how far we’ll get in the Nations League. I think you’ve seen him play too. Thibaut is still among the best in the world,” he concluded.
Courtois chooses recovery during international breaks
Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid
Courtois voluntarily decided not to play the Nations League matches. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Courtois had previously explained his position when he confirmed that he would not participate in Belgium’s Nations League fixtures, including the Final Four, unless the national team faced an exceptional injury crisis.
“I’m not going to play any Nations League matches, not even the Final Four, unless the coach needs me because there are too many injuries,” he noted.
The decision is part of a change in how the veteran goalkeeper is managing his international commitments.
After years of representing Belgium, Courtois now wants to use international windows to recover, train and reduce the physical demands placed on him.
As a result, the decision gives him an opportunity to use the international break away from competitive matches and prepare for the remainder of the club season.
Victor Munoz reveals Real Madrid regret and picks his Ballon d’Or favourite: ‘You have to accept it was difficult’
Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Former Real Madrid academy player Victor Munoz has looked back on his time in the club’s youth system and explained what he learned from coming through both Barcelona’s and Madrid’s academies.
Now at Liverpool, Munoz spoke to AS about his development and the difficulty of breaking into Real Madrid’s first team.
His route through the Spanish giants gave him the chance to play at major stadiums, including the Camp Nou and Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, although one famous ground remained out of reach.
Victor Munoz reveals his Bernabeu regret
Munoz was asked whether failing to make a senior appearance at the Santiago Bernabeu was something he looked back on with regret.
The former Madrid academy player admitted that he would have liked the opportunity, but his overall experience at the club remained hugely positive.
“I would have loved to, but just being able to play for Madrid – even if it was at other grounds – was an incredible experience.”
The bigger challenge for Munoz was the enormous competition within Madrid’s academy and the gap between youth football and the first team.
He acknowledged that simply being surrounded by elite talent made the pathway particularly demanding.
“You have to accept that it was difficult.
Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Victor Munoz has compared Real Madrid’s academy to Barcelona’s youth setup. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
“At the start, when you find yourself surrounded by teammates of such high quality, you realise you need to cut your teeth and gain experience, especially when there’s a big step up and you join a team like Madrid.”
Munoz compares Real Madrid and Barça
Munoz has a rare perspective on Spanish football’s two biggest academies.
He spent part of his childhood at Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid as a teenager, experiencing two different footballing philosophies during his development.
Asked whether the academies were noticeably different, he explained that both had left a lasting influence on his game.
“Both are impressive, and I’ve been able to take the best from each.
“As you say, I was very young at Barça, but it allowed me to learn how to play as part of a team and to incorporate into my game the methodology and unique DNA that they try to instil in all the academy players there.”
Victor Munoz, Liverpool player
Victor Munoz’s pick for Ballon d’Or is Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Munoz then explained why the more direct approach he encountered at Madrid suited his own qualities.
“At Real Madrid, it’s a different style of play, more direct, and that suited me very well given my qualities. I’m grateful to have been at both.”
Victor Munoz picks Lamine Yamal for Ballon d’Or
The conversation eventually moved to the Ballon d’Or, with Munoz asked to choose his preferred winner.
His answer was Lamine Yamal, whom he knows from the Spain setup. While Munoz acknowledged that any eventual winner would have earned the honour, he had a clear personal choice.
“I’d give it to Lamine. He’s a teammate of mine in the national team, and I think he’s earned it.
“Whichever player wins it will have done so because they deserve it, but my choice would be Lamine,” he concluded.