Real Madrid made its debut in the Club World Cup with a draw against Al Hilal that left more doubts than certainties. Although the team started out winning, it didn't keep the lead and ended in a draw, which didn't convince Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper took the opportunity to reflect on the match and also to make a veiled criticism of Carlo Ancelotti, under whose direction the team spent the last four years.
According to Courtois, the automatisms from the Italian coach's era are still noticeable. "We've spent four years with Carlo, we have some automatisms," said the goalkeeper, making it clear that adapting to Xabi Alonso's new ideas will be a long process.
First half analysis
The first half of the match was a reflection of what the team had been dragging in recent times. For Courtois, Real Madrid wasn't up to the task, especially regarding the pace of play. "We lacked a bit of rhythm with the ball, playing faster, looking more between the lines," the goalkeeper commented on the radio.
He also emphasized that, despite leading 1-0 at halftime, the team didn't play well. Al Hilal dominated the first half, and the equalizer after Asensio's penalty was a blow: "The penalty was a bit silly," Courtois lamented.
"That can't be changed in just 4 days"
The coaching change has brought an adjustment in playing styles. Xabi Alonso wants to impose his way of playing, which is very different from what Ancelotti practiced. However, Courtois was clear in acknowledging that the automatisms acquired during the years with the Italian can't be erased overnight.
"We're still playing Carlo Ancelotti-type soccer, that can't change in just 4 days," the Belgian pointed out. The team needs time to adapt to the new concepts and, although they're working on it, a radical change can't be expected in such a short time. Despite the criticism, Courtois expressed his trust that the team will learn from this first match and improve in the next ones.
Lessons from the draw and the road ahead
Despite the frustration over the draw, Courtois didn't lose hope. During the second half, the team improved considerably and created more clear goal-scoring chances. "Maybe we had the big chances, but we didn't convert them," said the goalkeeper, who also highlighted that the second half was much better than the first.
However, the opportunities weren't converted, and that's something the team will need to improve. Courtois was optimistic and emphasized that the team must focus on keeping possession and avoiding the anxiety to attack immediately.
"It's better to keep possession, go from one side to the other to open up spaces for Vini and Rodrygo or whoever appears," the Belgian explained. As the team adapts to Alonso, things will improve, and Courtois trusts that Madrid will be more competitive.