MX23RW : Tuesday, April 30 23:38:07| >> :120:5371:5371:

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.

ID:333751: cacheID:333751:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2350:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring in his side's UEFA Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid on August 15, 2018
Read Next:
Lopetegui: 'No concerns over Real squad'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid33266171224984
2Barcelona33227468392973
3GironaGirona33225669402971
4Atletico MadridAtletico33204962392364
5Athletic Bilbao331610753332058
6Real Sociedad331312846351151
7Real BetisBetis33121384139249
8Valencia33138123738-147
9Villarreal33129125455-145
10Getafe331013104145-443
11Osasuna33116163749-1239
12AlavesAlaves33108153138-738
13Sevilla33911134246-438
14Las PalmasLas Palmas33107163041-1137
15Rayo Vallecano33713132742-1534
16Mallorca33614132739-1232
17Celta Vigo33710163750-1331
18CadizCadiz33414152346-2326
19Granada3349203661-2521
RAlmeria33111213267-3514


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!