Football
ESPN staff 9y

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois prepared to criticise below-par teammates

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he is not afraid to criticise more experienced teammates if he feels their performance levels are not up to scratch.

The Belgium international, 22, berated some of his colleagues as the Red Devils produced a shaky defensive performance in a 3-1 friendly win over Iceland, and says he would do the same at club level.

Courtois told his Belgium teammates that they would be beaten by Wales in their Euro 2016 qualifier -- which they drew 0-0 -- if they defended as they had against Iceland, saying players should not be in the lineup if they were not prepared to do enough running.

When the goalkeeper was asked whether he would take the same approach at Stamford Bridge, the Daily Mail quoted him as saying: "Yes, maybe that happens.

"But there are also other guys who can say something. Just to name some names, [John] Terry or [Didier] Drogba -- they have experience and leadership. I just said it [the criticism of Belgium's play against Iceland] because I thought that we should be better."

Courtois also warned people not to think that Chelsea already have the Premier League title sewn up, despite their unbeaten start to the season.

Jose Mourinho's side have won nine and drawn two of their opening 11 league games and are four points clear of second-placed Southampton and eight in front of defending champions Manchester City.

But Courtois, who took over as Stamford Bridge No. 1 from Petr Cech this season, said it "would not be easy" and added: "We don't have the title in the bag -- we are working game by game.

"The Premier League is very difficult, and there is still a long way [to go] to win the title. We are working hard, and hopefully that will be enough."

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