Thibaut Courtois speaks frankly about rumors of Real Madrid players 'rebelling' against coach Xabi Alonso

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois dismisses rumors of Real Madrid players “rebelling,” stating that no one intentionally made things difficult for Xabi Alonso and claiming that many media reports are inaccurate.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has spoken out to refute rumors suggesting that Real Madrid players contributed to coach Xabi Alonso leaving the club. Speaking after the victory over Manchester City in the Champions League, the Belgian star asserts that the media has exaggerated many inaccurate details.

Recently, some reports claimed that several Real Madrid players were dissatisfied with Xabi Alonso's working methods, particularly tactical analysis sessions and video reviews. However, Courtois insists those accusations are completely untrue.

“No player ‘arranged’ for Xabi Alonso to leave. We worked very well with him,” Courtois said. The Real Madrid goalkeeper also stated that studying tactics is normal in professional football.

He cited his previous experience working with coach Antonio Conte. “People say we hate tactics or hate watching videos, but I had Conte who spent an hour every day on such analysis sessions. I had no issue with it, because we are professional players,” Courtois shared.

According to the Belgian goalkeeper, Real Madrid started quite well under Xabi AlonsoTaking over Liverpool, will coach Xabi Alonso implement major reforms at Anfield?, before the team entered a period of declining form. “The first months with Xabi were very positive. Later we faced some difficulties, but that is completely normal in football,” he added.

Courtois also believes the media sometimes misrepresented the atmosphere in Real Madrid's dressing room. He affirms that the players always respect the coaching staff, medical team, and all club employees.

“I read many things in the press and just exclaim: ‘Oh my God.’ People think this is a place where players do whatever they want, but that's not the reality. We always respect every coach who comes to work here,” Courtois emphasized.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old goalkeeper also admits the team bears some responsibility for the unsatisfactory results earlier. Currently, Real Madrid is heading to the away match against Manchester City at Etihad under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, aiming to protect the advantage after the 3-0 win in the first leg.