Courtois Receives Disturbing News at Real Madrid

Thibaut Courtois told he is not guaranteed Real Madrid’s No.1 spot

Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui has informed new arrival Thibaut Courtois that he shouldn’t expect to immediately become the club’s No.1 ahead of Keylor Navas.

The Belgian, who starred as his team finished a record-breaking third at the World Cup in Russia, left Chelsea to join the Champions League holders on the penultimate day of the English transfer window for around £31m.

The move was especially controversial as Courtois had played for Atletico Madrid for three years while on loan from the Blues.

Navas, who himself featured at the World Cup as Costa Rica were eliminated at the group stage, has been first choice at the Bernabeu for the last three seasons and was named in the starting line-up against Getafe this evening.

“There isn’t a magic formula. We need to manage it week by week,” Lopetegui said when asked about the goalkeeping situation (as reported by Goal).

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“We will see as we go who is best for the team at any given time. We have two magnificent goalkeepers, and others as well.

“But of course these are two international-level keepers and we will try to manage it well and make decisions for the team.

“Of course there is huge competition for the team but I see it as something positive in that position. It’s good for the team to have competition.”

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The Belgium international had been expected to slot straight in after arriving from Chelsea for a reported £31 million ($40m), but the position remains up for grabs ahead of the club’s La Liga opener against Getafe on Sunday.

While Courtois and Navas battle for the starting spot, at least two of Kiko Casilla, Luca Zidane and new signing Andriy Lunin appear set to be trimmed from a crowded stable of goalkeepers.

Other areas of the squad are less equipped, but Lopetegui is adamant he has enough quality at his disposal to challenge for trophies.

Real’s first away league game of the campaign sees them face Girona next Sunday.

 

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