Courtois urges Real Madrid attackers to learn from PSG

Thibaut Courtois urged his Real Madrid team-mates to learn from Paris Saint-Germain’s ability to press the ball.

Los Blancos lost 4-0 at the MetLife Stadium in the Club World Cup semi-final after a ruthless display from the European champions.

It was Madrid’s first-ever loss in the competition, in their 21st match including the previous format, and the first time they had ever shipped four goals in a match at the tournament.

Xabi Alonso’s side were held to just 32.2% possession, their lowest in any match since holding 31.2% of the ball in a LaLiga game against Barcelona on April 10, 2021.

PSG’s first two goals came after Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger were forced into mistakes by aggressive pressing from Ousmane Dembele.

Goalkeeper Courtois believes Madrid can learn from their counterparts’ ability to pressure opponents, highlighting it as one of the key reasons for their defeat.

“On a goal-kick I have half a second to think about where to give the ball, because they eat you,” said Courtois.

“It's something we need to improve on as a team. They are not just individuals. From the collective we must press better, more coordinated.

“Today we lacked a little. The other games, we did much better. It's something we need to watch on video and improve.

“We tried to come out strong, but they suffocated us with the pressure and there it was difficult for us to find tranquillity with the ball to hurt them by finding spaces.

“The difference is that our pressure and yours [PSG] were different. We didn't always get it right; We gave them too many spaces and when they find them, they kill you.”

The pick of PSG's goals was their third, with Achraf Hakimi assisting Fabian Ruiz to cap a flowing team move.

Courtois pointed out that Hakimi “always had a lot of time”, while PSG head coach Luis Enrique believes the Moroccan, like left-back Nuno Mendes, is the best in his position.

“They are the two best full-backs in the world, each one plays a different role,” he said.

“But they all have to attack and they all have to defend, that is something that represents our club, to work in attack and defence.

“As I'm at a club that has very good economic conditions, we can sign very good players, Haki has the freedom to be whatever he wants to be and Nuno has a lot of ability to attack, we love it.

“The team thrives very well on the quality of our players, especially our full-backs. I think our team represents that concept well.”

Luis Enrique also echoed Courtois’ analysis of PSG’s pressure, adding: “We didn't put the brakes on.

"My mobile phone is full of messages from Barcelona fans congratulating me. When you play against the big teams you give 100%. Real Madrid is and will be great.

“We didn't put the brakes on at any time, although there were players who needed rest because there was a risk of extreme fatigue.”