Courtois says Mourinho has matured since Chelsea days

Thibaut Courtois says Jose Mourinho has become more mature since the pair worked together at Chelsea 12 years ago, although the Portuguese manager still commands the same strong presence in the dressing room.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper praised Mourinho in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “I am happy. It is always good to work with him because he is a great coach.”

Courtois also explained why he did not immediately respond to Mourinho’s first message.

“I ignored his first message for two weeks because we were at the World Cup,” he said. “I did not see the message because there was no Wi-Fi on the plane, but everything is fine now.”

Comparing Mourinho’s approach with the manager he remembers from their time at Chelsea, Courtois said the 12-year gap had brought a change in personality.

“Mourinho has become more mature,” he said. “I remember he was stricter in the Chelsea dressing room and a little sharper. He is still like that now, but less than I remember him being 12 years ago.”

Courtois added that Mourinho’s authority remained unmistakable.

“He still has the same personality and the same presence,” he said. “You can feel him inside the dressing room. You arrive there and he is present, and you really feel his presence.”

The Belgium international also spoke positively about Xabi Alonso, describing his work at Bayer Leverkusen as exceptional and predicting that he could achieve success with Chelsea.

“I really liked his way of working,” said Courtois. “What he did with Bayer Leverkusen was exceptional.”

“I am sure he will have a great deal of success with Chelsea. If they give him time, I think he will be able to do a good job.”

Courtois then turned his attention to Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham and praised the England midfielder’s performances at the World Cup.

“I think Jude had a great World Cup and was the best player in the England team,” he said.

“He has maintained that level and he is extremely important for us. He is very strong on the ball and also defensively strong. He is still young, and I hope he retires after winning many trophies with Real Madrid and England. He is a great player and a good friend.”

Courtois has made 348 appearances for Real Madrid to date. During those matches, he has conceded 341 goals and kept 133 clean sheets.