Thursday, 6th February, 2014
Thibaut Courtois has levelled a blast at international team-mate Simon Mignolet, telling the Liverpool goalkeeper to take a leaf out of David de Gea's book.
Courtois, on loan with Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, is currently Belgium's first choice between the sticks – a position Mignolet has been vocal in declaring himself to want.
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Indeed, the custodian's switch to Liverpool last summer came with the added benefit in his eyes of putting him front and centre for Belgium duty at the World Cup.
The public nature of his declarations have angered Courtois, who cannot help but feel that Mignolet should be a little more supportive.
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Speaking to Sport/Foot, Courtois said: "I still don't hear any goalkeeper in Spain say he wants to take [Iker] Casillas’ place: [Victor] Valdes, [David] de Gea, [Pepe] Reina.
"It's quite the contrary – they are all behind him."
And the Chelsea-contracted shot-stopper is sure of the merit of him continuing to hold the gloves for the Red Devils on the international stage, urging a tempering of Mignolet's tone.
"Simon can say what he wants, but I think I've earned points for Belgium and I play well with Atletico.
"He must remain humble and respectful. It's not the first time I've heard him say this kind of thing."
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