Courtois relishing Mourinho reunion at Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho has been confirmed as Real Madrid's new coach, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is relishing a reunion with the Portuguese.
The 63-year-old, who will replace interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa at Los Blancos, previously coached Madrid between 2010 and 2013, leading it to one LaLiga title and forming a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.
Courtois played under Mourinho at Chelsea, and the Belgian is looking forward to doing so again.
"We had our occasional run-ins, too, of course," Courtois said with a smile.
"For instance, he benched me against Everton because I'd missed two crosses from the flank in the previous match against Aston Villa.
"It was his way of prodding me. The following week, I was back in goal against West Ham [United] and made five or six crucial saves.
"Mourinho is a very direct manager; I am the same. Our relationship has always been very good."
With only a year left to run on his deal at Madrid, 34-year-old Courtois knows he faces an uncertain future.
"At Real Madrid, the prevailing principle dictates that upon reaching the age of 30, contracts are renewed on a year-to-year basis," he said.
"Therefore, I remain quite unconcerned regarding the matter. Should my performance sustain its current level, a renewal presents no issue.
"However, Real Madrid operates as a top-tier club, and at some juncture, they will inevitably contemplate a successor. Ideally, I envision concluding my career in Madrid."
