Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has assessed his former team Chelsea ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge and what his teammates need to do
Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid wants to prolong the pain of his former team. And to do that, he believes Los Blancos need to play a 'game of strategy, not a game of madness' from the first whistle at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have been leading 2-0 since Wednesday's quarter-final first leg. And Courtois said:
"Honestly, I don't understand why Chelsea failed in the Premier League.
"They have world-class players who can succeed - although hopefully that streak will continue on Tuesday. We have to play with our heads a lot and forget about the advantage we have at the Bernabeu.
The whole team is prepared for a tough game in London. Chelsea may be in crisis for points in the Premier League but they are still a tough opponent.
There is no easy British opponent. Chelsea have an obligation to attack to find goals and maybe that means we can handle the situation better. "We are hoping for a tactical match, not a crazy game from the first minute."
Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois and Real Madrid lead Chelsea 2-0 in the first leg
The winners will meet Manchester City in the semi-finals unless Bayern Munich can turn the tide of a 3-0 loss in the first leg.
Courtois added:
"Everyone is talking about the semi-final between Man City and Real but nothing has been resolved yet. Real Madrid are not yet in the Champions League semi-final - the score is positive but not decisive.
Anything can happen in 90 minutes of football and especially against an English club in England. The key to the game will be more possession and not letting the Blues create our area. "The longer the game goes on and Chelsea don't score, the closer we are to success."
Interim boss Frank Lampard returned to Chelsea manager earlier this month after Graham Potter was sacked, but the Stamford Bridge legend has lost all three games he's in charge, most recently losing 1-2 against Brighton this weekend.
But he dismissed the suggestion that his players didn't want to upset their scorching season, saying:
I think maybe when some players lack confidence it can be seen as a matter of hunger. When you're one foot short, you're only one foot short. Or when you receive the ball and you are not confident, you withdraw your first touch.
Sometimes I feel hungry or lack passion, but I don't feel it. I feel the players are hungry for success as Chelsea players.
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