Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign with a victory over Espanyol, and after the final whistle, Thibaut Courtois spoke to the media about the match, Carlos Espí’s decisive impact, José Mourinho’s influence and the qualities of new signing Yan Diomandé.
Courtois praises Carlos Espí
Courtois was full of praise for Carlos Espí, who came off the bench and played a decisive role in securing the victory for Real Madrid.
“Carlos Espí is a beast. Watching him in training going up against Konaté, Rüdiger and the others is impressive. He has talent, he is very strong and he gives us something we didn’t really have in the squad before,” Courtois explained.
“We call him ‘Joselu Jr.’ because he can come on in exactly these kinds of situations. When he enters the game and scores a goal like that to give us the win, obviously we are very happy for him. The impact of the players coming off the bench can be just as important as that of the starters.”
The Belgian goalkeeper also highlighted the unity and discipline Mourinho is trying to establish within the squad.
“Everyone is pulling in the same direction. Everybody is training well and working hard, and the ideas are very clear. On the pitch, we have to keep improving what Mourinho is asking from us and stick to the plan.”
“There were moments in the first half when we didn’t do that as well as we should have, but step by step we will improve. The thing that stands out the most is the discipline on the pitch.”
Mourinho has become calmer
Courtois also reflected on Mourinho’s personality, having previously worked with the Portuguese coach at Chelsea.
“After only two weeks, it’s difficult to say exactly how much he has changed. We’ll have to wait a little longer into the season. But it’s true that he seems a little calmer now, more experienced and perhaps more composed.”
“But he is still the same Mourinho. He demands character, strong training sessions and discipline. At Chelsea, I had some disagreements with him, and that was normal. I was like that and he was too.”
“I like people who are direct. That is how you move forward. Mourinho is a coach who tells you things exactly as they are. Sometimes you may think differently, but when everyone says what they really think, you can improve.”
The pressure to win trophies
Courtois also admitted that expectations at Real Madrid remain extremely high.
“When you play for Real Madrid, trophies are demanded every single year. Especially after going a year and a half without winning anything and almost two years without winning something really important.”
“That pressure is always there, and we know it. That is what playing for Real Madrid means, and every player in the squad understands it.”
⚪️😁 Thibaut Courtois: “I call Carlos Espí: Joselu Junior”. pic.twitter.com/9jh4xUC29c
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 23, 2026
Courtois impressed by Diomandé
Finally, the goalkeeper spoke positively about Yan Diomandé, who is still adapting to his new surroundings.
“He is also new to the training sessions, but you can already see that he is very strong, very quick and technically gifted.”
“He still has to find his place. It is never easy when you only come on for 20 or 30 minutes, but little by little he will adapt. From what I have seen, he is a player who is going to bring a lot to this team.”
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