Tchouameni, Courtois react after Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica: ‘We didn’t start well’
· Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid’s win over Benfica last night was not convincing, but it was enough to send Jose Mourinho’s side packing from the competition comprehensively.
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The visitors pulled off an early surprise with a goal in the 14th minute, levelling the score on aggregate and setting up for a tough game.
Real Madrid, however, held their nerve and equalised just minutes later, taking the lead on aggregate once more. Vinicius Jr. then laid the finishing touch in the 80th minute.
Tchouameni’s analysis
Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni opened up on the performance and how the team did not begin very well.
“The truth is that we didn’t start the match very well, but we had the confidence that we were going to score goals. Then we did things a bit better.
“The players who came on later and the Castilla youngsters came into the match very well. Now we’ll keep moving forward,” he added on how the game improved as it progressed.
“We have to adjust a bit how we defend and start matches better. In the end, we won, which is the most important thing,” he said, hinting at what they have to work on with focus.
Tchouameni then opened up about his goal on the night which helped cancel out Benfica’s opener.
“In the warm-up, I scored many goals and we said that today was my day. I’m very happy to help the team.
“The coach, Arbeloa, always tells me to push a bit more to score goals. I have to keep going like this,” he added.
Finally, he was asked if he had any preference for the opposition to face next.
“We have to focus on ourselves. Then we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Courtois’ harsh criticism
Real Madrid veteran Thibaut Courtois also faced the press after the game but was critical of the team’s performance despite the result.
“When we keep possession for too long without moving the ball quickly and directly, it allows the opponent to figure out what we’re doing and adapt and defend well. We need to move faster.”
Courtois put on a stunning performance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Elaborating on the chances Benfica created on the night, Courtois stated that it was normal in a game of such high quality but insisted that his team had to change things up.
“I think we are a team that everyone can trust. It’s the Champions League, and, naturally, they create chances.”
“In our style of play, we lack fluidity and speed in handling the ball; we need to move it more between the sides, circulate it more, and if we take too long to pass, the opponent will adapt,” he added.
“That’s what the coach is asking for. I don’t think we’re playing wonderfully, but winning now is the most important thing,” he concluded on that front.
Speaking on the visitors’ tactics on the night and how it was different from other recent meetings, Courtois said,
“Benfica? They didn’t play with a right winger; they played more through the middle. That’s what caused us problems in how to press effectively, and that’s why they scored the goal.”
“We made adjustments in the second half; we struggled in the first half, and their goal was just bad luck. I saved the ball and it went to the player, but we equalised quickly,” he added.
The player then spoke on Vinicius’ celebration and how he himself celebrated special moments.
“I always turn around and celebrate with the stands, but I’m happy that Vinicius started dancing because that means he’s scoring goals.”
Finally, he mockingly admitted Real Madrid would draw Manchester City once more as has been the case year after year.
“Sporting or City? You know it will be Manchester City, but I hope it can change.”
Source: MARCA