Thibaut Courtois turns his back on international football due to fractious relationship with manager | OneFootball

Many were shocked when Thibaut Courtois was not selected for Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad, despite him having returned from back-to-back knee injuries weeks prior. However, that surprise was not so for those familiar with the situation between the Real Madrid goalkeeper and Domenico Tedesco, his national team manager.

Courtois and Tedesco’s relationship has broken down over the last couple of years, and the former has now confirmed, via a statement on social media, that he will not return to Belgium duty until there is a change of management.

It means that Courtois will be solely focused on Real Madrid for the foreseeable future. This is excellent news for Carlo Ancelotti, who considers the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea ‘keeper to be his undisputed number one for this season and beyond.

Courtois should be fresher throughout the season due to his lack of international football, and this will be a boost to Real Madrid, who have a ridiculously busy schedule over the next 9-10 months.