Real Madrid veteran’s message to club debutant after Valencia defeat – ‘You’re not to…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s 1-2 defeat against Valencia at Mestalla last night was not just a blow to their La Liga title hopes—it was also the night Fran Gonzalez made his first-team debut.

With Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin both sidelined through injury, the young goalkeeper was given a rare chance to start between the posts. Unfortunately for him, the result was far from ideal.

Valencia scored twice and sealed all three points, leaving the young goalkeeper with a bitter memory of his debut. But while he may have left the pitch disappointed, he received strong backing from none other than Courtois himself.

Courtois’ message to Gonzalez

The Belgian goalkeeper, who watched the match from the stands at the Santiago Bernabéu, was quick to reassure the youngster. In the dressing room after the match, Courtois reportedly told Fran:

“You’re not to blame for the goals—neither Lunin nor I could have saved them,” he said, as quoted by Defensa Central.

Fran Gonzalez made his Real Madrid debut against Valencia. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Indeed, Courtois’ words ring true. Gonzalez was left completely exposed by Real Madrid’s defence on both occasions.

The blame lies more with the lack of organisation at the back than with the 19-year-old debutant. Despite conceding two goals, the youngster could do little to stop either of them.

Still, the defeat will sting. Debuting in such a high-pressure situation is never easy, especially with title hopes on the line. But Real Madrid have not lost faith in the keeper.

A product of La Fabrica, he has been training with the first team for years, and the club continues to believe in his potential.

Interestingly, if the senior team keepers are not fit for the Arsenal clash, the 19-year-old will take the field in London in what would be the biggest match of his career.

It may not have been a dream debut, but it was a day he will never forget, and with encouragement from Courtois, Gonzalez has every reason to look ahead with confidence.