Courtois Defends Vinicius Junior Amid Criticism

Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has stepped up to defend his teammate Vinicius Junior in light of recent criticisms.

Context of the Situation

Following their win against Getafe, Vinicius Jr. faced allegations of provoking Allan Nyom into a red card and allegedly taunting coach Jose Bordalas.

Courtois’s Support

In response to the backlash, Courtois remarked: “It’s not simple. At just 18, he has faced mockery. He hasn’t done anything wrong; he entered the game and drew animosity. It’s natural for him to react.”

His Take on Vinicius’s Impact

Courtois praised Vinicius’s performance, stating, “From the beginning, they targeted him and he got under the opponent’s skin. He made a significant impact on our threat in attack. This treatment is very unfair to him. He’s a fantastic young talent who should continue to shine. He has started the season impressively, and I look forward to more of that in the coming matches.”

Insights on Handling Pressure

The Belgian goalkeeper acknowledged the challenges players face when a crowd turns against them. He emphasized that Vinicius has been making strides in managing pressure, saying, “It’s tough for a player to deal with aggression from opponents. He is developing well. If he can minimize the distractions and provoke the opposition effectively, it will greatly benefit us. Staying focused and showcasing his skills is key. He ranks among the best in the world.”