Thibaut Courtois makes bold Champions League prediction involving Erling Haaland
Thibaut Courtois acknowledges that Erling Haaland could be the crucial element that Manchester City needs to win the Champions League.
Despite being exceptional in Real Madrid’s victory against Liverpool in two matches, Courtois is aware that City would become an even stronger adversary with Haaland on their team.
Courtois praised Haaland as an excellent player and believes that City had a strong team previously, but with a top-notch striker like Haaland, the danger posed by their play would be increased, especially with Kevin De Bruyne’s excellent crosses.
“I think the goals against Leipzig you have to take with a pinch of salt … but he was always in the right place and you have to be there or you don’t make those goals.”
According to Courtois, Haaland’s transfer to Manchester City demonstrates why Premier League teams should perform well in European competitions.
He explains: “I think Haaland is an example of where the Premier League maybe has the edge on other leagues. It’s the strength of the Premier League, what they’ve done in previous years to make everyone strong and give everyone one money.
“If they get relegated, they have parachute money and all these things make a difference to the strength of the league.”
Despite the Premier League’s self-promotion, Real Madrid, who have won the European championship 14 times, continue to defeat English teams in European competitions.
“The Premier League is a really exciting league, for sure. It’s big competitive league and the level is really high but I think we have demonstrated that we have a big team and that you cannot underestimate Spanish teams,” said Courtois. “This competition is special for us and I hope it will continue.”
There are no restrictions on Friday’s draw, which means that the two Premier League teams could potentially face each other in the quarter-finals. However, Courtois expressed his desire to avoid playing against either Manchester City or Chelsea in the next round.
“I would like to change a bit,” he said, “last year we already faced City and Chelsea, let’s see if we play other teams this year. Last year we made it clear what character we have in the team, with comebacks, we earn respect, we show that Real Madrid is always there.”
Thibaut Courtois makes bold Champions League prediction involving Erling Haaland
