Real Madrid's 4-2 loss to Benfica is a result that sums up their season to this point. The team lacked any fight, intensity, and passion, putting in another spineless performance, showing once again you can change the manager all you want, but at some point, you have to start looking at the players for the part they play in shortcomings this season.
There have been only two players this season who have shown fight and a desire to be better: Kylian Mbappe and Thibaut Courtois. Mbappe has been excellent for Los Blancos this season, but Courtois' importance has almost gone completely under the radar.
The Belgian goalkeeper has saved Real from countless embarrassing score lines this season, and despite conceding four to Benfica, he was the second-best player on the pitch for Madrid. The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced players in the squad and knows that accountability lies with the players. Following the Champions League disaster, he is rightfully furious with his teammates.
Courtois ‘furious’ with Real Madrid teammates after Benfica loss
As being reported by AS Diario (via Madrid Xtra on X) Thibaut Courtois was very angry (and justifiably so) with his teammates following their loss to Benfica, not only for their poor performance, but for not showing the faces to the fans after the game, as many of the squad tried to go straight down the tunnel after the full time whistle to avoid criticism and accountability.
The Belgian is one of the few players in the squad who has been willing to speak up and hold the players responsible and have them face the criticism they rightfully deserve, not only from the media but from the fans as well, who have a right to be angry.
Courtois can be seen on video following the 4-2 loss to Benfica, demanding that the players acknowledge the travelling supporters for their shocking performance. His anger makes sense, given that none of the players have done anything this season to warrant the egotism they carry in avoiding blame for the team's issues.
This isn't the first time the goalkeeper has been the one holding the rest of the players accountable, and given how this season is going, it surely won't be the last. This type of behavior from Courtois shows why he should be Madrid's captain, as he is continues to show he is the player in the squad with the most leadership out of anyone, not Federico Valverde, not Jude Bellingham, not Vinicius Junior, but Courtois.