National team manager delighted by Real Madrid superstar’s return to setup – ‘I need winners’ | OneFootball

After over a year out of the Belgium national team setup, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made his comeback with the Red Devils in March earlier this year.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper had a falling out with previous Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco and decided to walk away from the national team as a result.

However, with Tedesco being replaced by Rudi Garcia as the manager of the Belgian national team, the goalkeeper made his return in the UEFA Nations League playoff against Ukraine.

Rudi Garcia happy with Courtois’ return

Speaking in an interview on Pickx Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Garcia welcomed Courtois’ comeback to the Belgium squad and praised the Real Madrid veteran’s strong character.

“He says what he thinks, he likes to win. I also like to win with Belgium. When results are not as positive, it hurts him,” said the Belgium head coach.

Courtois returned to the Belgium setup after close to two years. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“I need winners. Sometimes he perhaps says too much of what he thinks, but I prefer someone who speaks their mind,” Garcia added.

Garcia ended up playing a key role in Courtois’ decision to make his comeback with the national team and is clearly happy with the 32-year-old’s return.

A player with 103 appearances for the Red Devils, Courtois will have a key role to play as Belgium look to fare better in the coming months on the road to the FIFA World Cup in the USA next year.

For now, though, the Belgian shot-stopper will be focused on ending the season with Real Madrid on a strong note by helping his team defend the La Liga crown, starting with this weekend’s El Clasico against Barcelona.