Real Madrid veteran fires back at Javier Tebas – ‘Never seen a president like this’ | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois did not hold back when asked about recent comments made by La Liga president Javier Tebas.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the 0-4 defeat to PSG, the Real Madrid goalkeeper took a clear jab at Tebas, calling out the president’s behaviour as attention-seeking and unlike anything seen in other top sporting leagues.

“In the end, La Liga is always the same,” Courtois said. “For me, hearing those comments from a president… I’ve never seen any president in England or Italy speak like that.”

“You can’t expect to leave us without a vacation. We’ve played in a World Cup, which is a beautiful tournament, and no one has a problem playing so many games, but we have to rest,” he noted.

His words came in response to Tebas’ public attack on the Club World Cup, particularly his harsh remarks on social media.

Courtois hits out at Javier Tebas. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

The La Liga president had recently shared a post criticising the tournament’s structure and interest levels, pointing to a steep drop in ticket prices for the semi-final clash between Fluminense and Chelsea, from $473 to just $13 in three days, as evidence of its failure.

What’s the story?

Tebas also blamed the Club World Cup for disturbing the La Liga calendar, claiming it caused chaos with scheduling and damaged the wider football ecosystem.

“An absolute disaster of a Club World Cup,” he wrote, accusing the tournament of disrupting leagues and affecting thousands of professionals across the sport.

Courtois’ reply, however, was both strong and measured. He defended the competition, pointing out that it’s a global event that deserves respect, regardless of personal opinions.

His message was clear that the criticism from Tebas felt excessive and out of place for someone in his position.

Source: Mundo Deportivo