El Clasico presented a tough challenge for Real Madrid, as they faced a loss to Barcelona for the third summer in a row. This game was particularly difficult for Endrick Felipe, who struggled in his debut in this prestigious match.
Despite Endrick’s difficulties, Thibaut Courtois reassured both him and Real Madrid fans that there is little to worry about. Courtois suggested that Endrick just needs to reduce the self-imposed pressure when playing.
In an interview with Diario AS, Courtois compared Endrick to Eden Hazard, whom he knew well from their time at Chelsea.
Courtois stated, “He isn’t very tall, but his legs are very strong. He’s somewhat similar to Eden when I first met him at Chelsea—Eden also had strong legs. You could challenge him, and he’d still hold his ground. He has a powerful shot as well; I’ve seen him strike the ball hard in training. Mostly, I think he needs to relax a bit. I’m not sure if he’s a little nervous, but he’s bound to improve with time.”
Courtois’ remarks indicate that although Endrick faced difficulties, his physical traits and potential are noteworthy. His strong legs and powerful shot are assets that could benefit him as he adapts to the high demands of playing for Real Madrid.
Courtois also supported the view of Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, on the significance of pre-season games such as El Clasico.
He pointed out that the results and performances in these pre-season games have minimal impact on the upcoming season. Courtois said, “These pre-season matches are important for fans and the public who attend the stadium. The stadiums are full when Real Madrid plays. It’s clear that losing to Barcelona is not ideal, even in pre-season, but we don’t like to lose.”
He added, “Ultimately, what matters is the season itself, and as Carvajal mentioned last season, we’ll see when it really counts. It was a mixed match with a blend of young players and experienced first-team members, for both us and them. That’s all there is to it.”
These comments reflect the broader perspective Courtois and the Real Madrid team hold. While pre-season games are engaging for fans and offer valuable experience for players, they do not dictate the success of the competitive season. The true challenge lies in maintaining consistent performance throughout the official matches of the season.
