First, a stunning performance in the Champions League with Real Madrid against Inter, then he came out with some big news. Thibaut Courtois (34) confirmed to HLN that he recently told the new national team manager, Mark van Bommel (49), during a meeting in Madrid that he is definitively giving the Nations League a miss. “He replied that he couldn’t guarantee me a place in the starting line-up,” Courtois told HLN last night. “It would be good to take a year’s break from the Nations League so that I can get some rest.” With those words, Thibaut Courtois indicated shortly after the World Cup that he was considering sitting out the Nations League in order to get some extra rest. It was therefore one of the first contentious issues following the appointment of national team manager Mark van Bommel. “As soon as Thibaut is back in full training, we’ll fly over there and have a chat,” said the Dutchman. “Perhaps he’s even changed his mind by now. There are indeed a great many matches, including during international breaks. It’s incredibly hectic.” A meeting in Madrid followed. Mark van Bommel flew to the Spanish capital for a meeting with the goalkeeper. And during that meeting, the goalkeeper announced his final decision. “I have decided not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” says Courtois. “Unless the national team manager faces problems with injuries; in that case, I may be called up on an exceptional basis. That also means I won’t be playing in a potential Final Four.” Courtois did not decide to call time on his international career: “I’m making myself available again for the European Championship qualifiers. That’s good news for Van Bommel, but he replied that he couldn’t guarantee me a place in the starting line-up.” “If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might stick with him. However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I’m the first-choice goalkeeper again.” With matches like Tuesday evening’s against Inter, that shouldn’t be a problem. Real Madrid are also set to begin talks with Thibaut Courtois shortly to extend his contract, which expires in the summer, by one season. In the worst-case scenario, Thibaut Courtois played his last international match against Spain at the recent World Cup. “I’m not assuming that will be the case.”   submitted by   /u/Roller95 [link]   [comments]