“There have been a lot of misunderstandings. »» From the outset, Thibaut Courtois (32 years old) assumes: his return to the Red Devils is not a long quiet river. Selected for the first time since his clash with Domenico Tedesco in June 2023, the Real Madrid porter lifted the veil on his reconquest: “We have spoken, everything is clear now. I know I made mistakes. »» A rare mea culpa for the Belgian giant, which evokes a relationship “Broken” with the former coach.
Tedesco vs Courtois: the war of the egos
The case had ignited the press: in full qualification for Euro 2024, courteous slammed the door, accusing Tesesco of lack of respect. “I don't have the easiest character, but I didn't feel listened to”he says today. The dispute did not only concern the captain's armband – an initial pretext – but a series of “unjust comments” and “false info” according to the goalkeeper. “We reacted hot, it went too far”he regrets, while criticizing Tedesco: “To say that he did everything to make me come back?” It was wrong. »»
Casteels, collateral victim
The other drama of this saga: the international retirement of Koen Casteels (31 years old), holder during the absence of courtes. The goalkeeper of Al-Qadsiah, injured by the sudden return of his rival, threw in the towel. “I understand it, he was number 1”, reacts courteous, before kicking in touch: “The federation wanted my return from the start. A choice that divides, so casteels had been acclaimed during the qualifications.
And now ?
With 102 selections, Courtois regains his place as a boss, but under pressure. His return crystallizes tensions in a Belgian wardrobe under reconstruction. “I am a winner, I say what I think”he warns, without promising to change. A warning for the new coach Rudi Garcia, who will have to manage this character … while capitalizing on his talent.
One thing is certain: the best paid goalkeeper in the world (€ 15M/year) has not finished talking.
