Real Madrid Goalkeeper Courtois name key difference in playing styles under Zidane and Simeone

The Belgian goalkeeper insists that under Diego Simeone, the players are told to let the opponents have more possession and get a clean sheet.

For Zidane, though, possession is key, right from the goalkeeper’s position.

When asked about the difference between playing under Diego Simeone and Zinedine Zidane, Thibaut Courtois told Cadena SER: “Zidane and Simeone are different.

“With Cholo it was more to let the rival have more of the ball, defend together, press in the centre of the field, leave a clean sheet (although I am doing this very well now too), take fewer risks behind.

“With Zidane it is another football. Possession is important, starting from behind. As a goalkeeper, you grow a lot, because I have had all the styles, also Conte, Mourinho... If one day I am a coach I can take the good characteristics of each one.”

While Simeone’s style has given Atletico Madrid some success and made them a formidable side defensively, Zidane’s tactics are clearly better. 

Courtois himself enjoyed arguably his best season ever under the Frenchman last time, winning the Zamora trophy and conceding only 20 goals! He’ll look to continue to grow under this system and improve, ensuring long-term success for Los Blancos.