{
  "id": 19482323,
  "title": "Thibaut Courtois talks Mourinho, Bellingham, Xabi Alonso, Belgium: ‘I think that’s exactly what we need’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/thibaut-courtois-talks-mourinho-bellingham-xabi-alonso-belgium-i",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-11T10:38:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/thibaut-courtois-talks-mourinho-bellingham-103800323.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho in an interview with Sky Sports. Courtois, who previously worked with Mourinho at Chelsea, revealed that he is very happy to work with the Portuguese tactician again. He explained that he accidentally ignored a message from Mourinho for two weeks after his Real Madrid return due to a combination of being on a flight, the time difference, and lack of Wi-Fi on the plane. Courtois also noted that Mourinho has matured and is now slightly less intense than he was during his time at Chelsea. The Belgian veteran praised Mourinho's presence in the dressing room, saying that his personality still commands attention. Courtois also spoke about Xabi Alonso's time at Real Madrid, praising the former Real Madrid manager's work ethic and believing that he will do well at Chelsea. Finally, Courtois expressed his high regard for teammate Jude Bellingham, praising his work ethic, skills, and potential for future success.",
  "summary": "Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has opened up on his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.The pair worked together at Chelsea...",
  "key_points": [
    "Courtois happy to work with Mourinho again.",
    "Mourinho has matured since Chelsea days.",
    "Praises Bellingham's work ethic and skills."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}