Thibaut Courtois has spoken about his return to training, his physical condition and his reunion with José Mourinho at Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper first explained why he decided to resume work earlier than initially expected following the injury he suffered during the World Cup.
Courtois picked up the injury in the quarter-final against Spain but returned to work on Friday before completing another individual session at Valdebebas on Sunday. Real Madrid’s official media took the opportunity to speak to him about his recovery and the start of the new season.
“I came back a little earlier because, with this injury, I wanted to make sure everything was fine by doing individual training sessions before joining the group,” Courtois told Real Madrid TV.
“Today, I already completed a goalkeeper training session and I felt very good. I’m happy to be back.”
“Mourinho Says Things Clearly”
Courtois is also reunited with José Mourinho, a coach he knows very well from their time together at Chelsea. The Real Madrid goalkeeper appears particularly pleased with the standards and demands introduced by the Portuguese manager since the beginning of pre-season.
“Mourinho is a coach who demands a lot, who expects discipline and always puts the team ahead of individuals,” Courtois explained.
“For me, those are important things if you want to win. He is a great coach and, on a human level, he is very close to his players. He says things as they are, and I like that. I think this is the direction we have to follow.”
The Belgian also has positive memories of working under Mourinho in England.
“We were together at Chelsea and we won the Premier League. I have very good memories of him, and I’m happy to be working under him again. We hope to work well together and experience some great years here.”
Courtois also praised one of Mourinho’s early decisions at Real Madrid: giving the players enough time to recover after an extremely demanding season and a long World Cup campaign.
“He gave everyone a lot of rest, and that was important to clear our minds because the season is very long,” the goalkeeper said.
“If you start too quickly, injuries can arrive earlier. We will get back into rhythm very quickly because we haven’t stopped for that long. Everyone wants to be together again and fight for a new season.”
After a trophyless campaign at club level, Courtois is determined to return to winning ways as quickly as possible.
“We are very motivated. Personally, I want to win trophies. It is important for the team, the supporters and the club to start winning again,” he said.
🗣️ Thibaut Courtois: "Estoy muy feliz de volver, Mourinho exige DISCIPLINA y prioriza al grupo, algo muy IMPORTANTE para GANAR.
— (fan) REAL MADRID DATA 🤍 (@_reyyblanco_) August 9, 2026
Espero que VOLVAMOS a vivir AÑOS BONITOS, queremos volver a GANAR TÍTULOS y empezar BIEN la temporada.
HALA MADRID" 🤍 pic.twitter.com/jaUvLSK9Wv
“After the World Cup and my injury, I wanted to get back into shape quickly, and that is what I have done so I can be ready for tomorrow’s training.”
Courtois also acknowledged that Mourinho is still working with a squad that is gradually taking shape.
“There are quite a few new players, some of whom we already know from playing against them. But the World Cup ended very late this year, so it isn’t easy for the coach when players are returning little by little.”
For Courtois, however, the objective is already clear: recover fully, adapt quickly to Mourinho’s methods and help Real Madrid return to winning trophies.
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