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Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui hints at goalkeeper rotation

Julen Lopetegui refuses to guarantee regular football for big-money signing Thibaut Courtois, hinting that he will instead rotate the Belgian keeper with Keylor Navas.

Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has revealed that he will select his goalkeeper on a 'week-by-week' basis this season, despite spending £35m to sign Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.

The Belgium international missed out on selection entirely for the midweek UEFA Super Cup defeat against Atletico Madrid, five days after completing his switch to the Spanish capital, meaning another start for Keylor Navas.

Lopetegui is making no promises to Courtois ahead of the La Liga opener at home to Getafe on Sunday, suggesting that he is prepared to make the 26-year-old wait for his first appearance in Real Madrid colours.

"There isn't a magic formula. We need to manage it week by week," he said at his pre-match press conference. "We will see as we go who is best for the team at any given time. We have two magnificent goalkeepers, and others as well.

"But of course these are two international-level keepers and we will try to manage it well and make decisions for the team. Of course there is huge competition for the team but I see it as something positive in that position. It's good for the team to have competition."

Navas started 27 league games for Los Blancos last season and a further 11 in their successful Champions League campaign.

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Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring in his side's UEFA Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid on August 15, 2018
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid35286178225690
2Barcelona35237572432976
3GironaGirona35236675443175
4Atletico MadridAtletico35224964392570
5Athletic Bilbao351711757352262
6Real BetisBetis35141384641555
7Real Sociedad351412948371154
8Valencia35139133739-248
9Villarreal35139135960-148
10Getafe351013124148-743
11AlavesAlaves35119153440-642
12Sevilla351011144749-241
13Osasuna35117173953-1440
14Las PalmasLas Palmas35107183044-1437
15Mallorca35714142840-1235
16Rayo Vallecano35714142743-1635
17Celta Vigo35810174053-1334
18CadizCadiz35514162449-2529
RGranada3549223668-3221
RAlmeria35211223570-3517


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