Courtois praises ‘key’ Raphinha and says Mourinho is calmer than at Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois has praised Barcelona forward Raphinha, saying the Brazil international does not always receive the recognition he deserves despite his outstanding start to the season.

Raphinha has scored 14 goals in eight matches, including hat-tricks in two successive games. Courtois, the Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper, described him as an important player for Barcelona during an appearance on the Radio Estadio Noche programme.

“I like him a lot,” said Courtois. “He is a key player for Barcelona. He does not always receive the recognition he deserves, but he is essential to the team.”

Raphinha was decisive in the sides’ most recent meeting, scoring twice as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup.

Despite Real Madrid’s recent results against their rivals, Courtois said the club remained determined to continue winning trophies. He pointed to the standards expected at the Spanish club and the ambition that drives the team every day.

“We have won a lot of cups in the past 15 years,” he said. “We have a great desire to win that number of cups again. That is what Real Madrid demands of you, and that is what we see every day when we come in here.”

Courtois on Mourinho

Courtois also reflected on Jose Mourinho, who previously worked with him in England, and said the experienced Portuguese manager had become calmer compared with his time at Chelsea.

“He is as good as he was at Chelsea,” said Courtois. “Perhaps he has different ideas, because football has developed since then.

“I think he is calmer in his day-to-day life and in front of the press. But he still puts pressure on the pitch and in meetings, and he still says what he thinks directly to people.”

Courtois worked with Mourinho during the manager’s time at Chelsea. While he believes Mourinho’s approach has evolved as football has changed, he said the coach had retained the intensity and directness that have remained central to his management style.