Courtois explains what Real Madrid must improve despite Malaga thrashing: ‘First half is the model to follow’ | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois has urged Real Madrid to turn their dominant first-half performance against Malaga into the standard for the rest of the season, despite the goalkeeper acknowledging that the team lost some of its intensity after the break.

Real Madrid swept Malaga aside 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with three goals arriving before half-time as the hosts produced the kind of fast, aggressive football Courtois wants to see on a consistent basis.

Yet the Belgian was not completely satisfied. Speaking after the match, Courtois felt Madrid became too comfortable at times and allowed their opponents more possession and opportunities than they should have.

“The first half was very good; we scored three goals, but it’s true that in the final minutes before half-time we sat too deep and allowed them to create a few chances. 

“At half-time, the manager told us to try to score more goals and, above all, not to concede. 

“It’s important to know how to hold on to the lead, but we didn’t play as well in the second half. 

“We had chances but slowed the pace down a bit when we had the ball; we let them have too much possession, and that’s something we need to improve on. 

“We ended up making it 4–0 but we needed to step it up a gear to really get the Bernabéu crowd going,” he analysed, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Courtois identifies Real Madrid’s model to follow

Courtois was not happy with Real Madrid’s second half performance. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

For Courtois, the opening 45 minutes offered a clearer picture of how this Real Madrid side should operate.

The goalkeeper highlighted the combination of speed, control and immediate pressing after losing possession, while stressing that the challenge will be sustaining that level throughout an entire match.

“The first half is the model to follow. This is how we want to play – with pace, with control, and pressing after losing possession. 

“If we manage to do this in every match, we’re in for a great season, but for that to happen, everyone has to work hard for the full 90 minutes. 

“We need to carry on like this, just as we did in the first half,” he said.

Courtois also explained the importance of the clean sheet. 

Real Madrid have already conceded twice in the league, goals he believes could have been prevented, and the goalkeeper sees defensive solidity as essential to the squad’s confidence.

“Keeping a clean sheet is important for the whole team’s confidence. The two goals we’ve conceded in the league could have been avoided, but we’re learning from that,” he added.

Betis and Inter Milan provide an immediate test

Courtois confirms Mourinho will rotate his team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid will soon find out how well they can maintain those standards. 

Courtois pointed to a demanding period ahead, with a trip to face Betis at La Cartuja followed by the start of their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.

“We’ve got a tough match coming up, and then the Champions League kicks off – we’re really looking forward to these weeks,” said Courtois.

The upcoming schedule will also require the depth of Madrid’s squad. 

The Belgian revealed that the manager had already informed the players that changes would be made to the starting line-up.

“The manager already warned us on Wednesday that he was going to make several changes to the starting eleven. 

“The lads are training very well and many of them deserve a chance to play. If we want to go far in all competitions, it’s important that we have everyone available. 

“We’ve got a brilliant squad; if you look at the bench, there’s a lot of quality there,” he concluded.