Real Madrid veteran takes blame for Manchester City’s equalising goal- ‘My fault’ | OneFootball

Despite last night’s game bringing Real Madrid’s second consecutive defeat, the atmosphere of Xabi Alonso’s camp was not as desolate as one would expect, primarily because there was a strong feeling that they did enough to deserve better.

Manchester City took the three points, but Real Madrid will look to take the confidence boost that comes from fighting neck to neck with an elite European club just days after a terrible collapse.

What the result means for the standings, however, is that Los Blancos now have 12 points after six games and are just hanging on to a spot in the top-8.

Courtois’ analysis

Real Madrid veteran Thibaut Courtois faced the press after the game and took blame for Manchester City’s equaliser.

“We played a good game. We scored 1-0, then the 1-1 was a bit of my fault, because the ball came very much on me and I didn’t know how to clear it better.

“When the moment is a little against, the ball went to a rival instead of a teammate and the score was 1-1.”

They gained confidence. Then, a penalty that I have to see again, but I think it’s a penalty.

“Although there was also a push for Rudiger for the first goal. In the end, it’s a bit of the situation we’re in,” he added.

Speaking on the team’s performance in the second half, Courtois spoke on Real Madrid’s good spell and how it was a game they should have won.

“In the second half, they started better but from the 60th or 65th minute, we took the reins of the game.

“We had opportunities to equalise but he did not want to enter and you lose a game that we should have won.”

Courtois was then asked if the team lost confidence after Manchester City scored on the night, to which he said,

Thibaut Courtois praised the team’s spirit. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“I don’t think we lost confidence but in the end it’s a silly draw, of a set piece, and the other comes very quickly later.

“At break we have said the same thing. They have come out better but then we have had options to equalise.”

On the current situation

The veteran was then asked to give his thoughts on the team’s situation, to which he said,

“We want to win our games, because we know the situation we are in. In the end, we have lost too many points in the League.

“In the Champions League, we are fine but we can’t lose points and exit the top 8.”

He then made it clear that the dressing room was behind Alonso despite everything being said.

“We have shown that we are behind the coach, we have played well, we have given one hundred per cent and that has been seen on the field or at least it is the feeling that I have from the field.”

Finally, the Belgian star explained how winning was the only way to get the team back on track and reverse the situation.

“The only thing is to win and continue with the same intensity as today. It’s the key, because we also won in Bilbao with a full game.

“If we go out like today and like against Athletic Club, in the end you will win in a difficult field like Alaves where it is not easy to play.

“We have to win. Then Copa del Rey and Seville at home to end the year well,” he concluded.

Source: Real Madrid website