Just five days ahead of El Clasico, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has added extra spice to the game, responding to Barcelona President Joan Laporta’s comments over referees. The usually outspoken Belgian assured that Laporta’s insinuations were simply a cover for the ongoing corruption case brought against Barcelona over payments made to the former Vice-President of the Referees Committee.
On Sunday, Barcelona held their General Assembly after a controversial red card for manager Hansi Flick, a decision that means he will not be on the touchline for this Sunday’s Clasico. Laporta was asked whether he felt there were ‘white hands’ – Real Madrid interference – behind refereeing decisions, to which Laporta responded that ‘if there are not, then it certainly seems like it’.
Courtois fires back at Laporta over Negreira case
Unsurprisingly, it was brought up in Real Madrid’s pre-match press conference as they prepare to face Juventus in the Champions League. The second question to Courtois put Laporta’s comments to the Real Madrid shot-stopper.
“I think he says that because he has to say it because of the Negreira case and all that. I’ve never noticed the referees favouring us since I’ve been here; more the opposite. Referees are human, just like players and coaches, but I don’t feel like they’ve benefitted us at any point.”
Courtois also criticises Javier Tebas and Miami game plans
One of the main talking points in Spain at the moment is the plan to host Villarreal-Barcelona in Miami in December. The game was confirmed by La Liga two weeks ago, but has faced resistance from Real Madrid, and from Spanish Footballers Association (AFE).
“It corrupts the competition, so it’s easy to talk about the NFL, the NBA… where they have 82 games and nothing changes. There, it’s voted on by all the owners, and here it’s the opposite; it’s La Liga who have implemented it because it benefits them. It corrupts the competition, and doesn’t comply with the players’ union agreement either.”
Last weekend’s round of fixtures was dominated by protests at the start of games, with players delaying the game by 15-20 seconds. However La Liga cut away from images of the pause, and showed a message of La Liga’s ‘commitment to peace’.
“I don’t know what surprises you. He’s replying to people on social media in public… I’ve never seen a league president speak like that. Hiding it and then changing the reason we’re protesting is censorship and manipulation, and it’s serious.”
Defensive improvement at Real Madrid
Meanwhile on the pitch, Courtois is enjoying his quietest season in goal for Los Blancos for some time, with the exception of the Madrid derby. With the exception of that game, Real Madrid have conceded just two goals from open play in La Liga.
“Going back to the derby, the goals came from set pieces… I think we can improve on that. We’re defending much better with eleven men. It was a ‘quiet’ game against Getafe, but I had to be there in those final seconds.”
