Thibaut Courtois compares Xabi Alonso and Carlo Ancelotti – ‘It’s normal for some players to be unhappy’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois has painted the dressing room at the Bernabeu in a positive and happy light, amid plenty of talk of malcontent in the camp. There have been a string of stories in the local press questioning Xabi Alonso’s relationship with some of his stars, but Courtois brushed aside those suggestions.

Former manager Carlo Ancelotti commented that a draw is the anteroom to a crisis last week, and Courtois also noted that their issues had been overblown. He told Cadena Cope that a trip to Vallecas is always difficult.

“There’s always more noise outside than inside. There’s always criticism for just a draw. Playing at Rayo’s ground is always difficult. We have to improve. Now we have a tough month ahead. We have to beat Elche.”

Courtois backs up Alonso’s Liverpool comments

That draw with Rayo Vallecano came after a defeat to Liverpool. Many eyebrows were raised after Courtois was forced into eight saves, and Alonso commented after the match that the game was decided by details. Something Courtois stood by.

“In the first half, I felt we had a lot of control on the pitch, and many of their chances were long-range shots or poor clearances. I didn’t have to do much work. In the second half, we struggled to create more danger; they were better. We need to improve.”

Image via Carl Recine/Getty Images

A number of Real Madrid players have come out to defend Vinicius Junior since his outburst during El Clasico, the latest being Franco Mastantuono, and Courtois followed suit.

“The Vinicius case is closed and accepted. He apologised and we’ve moved on. We’re all human, and in a high-pressure match, we can react in a way we might later regret. He apologised to the entire team and the coaching staff.”

Comparison between Ancelotti and Alonso

Given the supposed discontent in the dressing room, much has been made of the change between Ancelotti and Alonso, with the Italian famed for his nous managing star players. Courtois noted that it had been a departure.

“Ancelotti was like a father or a grandfather. Xabi is more modern. They’re both very good coaches, each with their own style. To say we miss Ancelotti would be disrespectful to Xabi. We have a good relationship with Alonso.”

“In the dressing room, it’s normal for some players to be more unhappy about not playing as much. We’re training well. In our team, everything is discussed openly; there are no problems. If we need to impose order, I’m one of those who can do it, but we haven’t needed to. We’re all pulling in the same direction.”