While the decision to skip the Nations League was initiated by Courtois as a way to find rest, it has come with a stern warning from his manager. Van Bommel flew to the Spanish capital specifically to address the situation but refused to offer Courtois any special treatment regarding his eventual return to the starting XI.
Courtois admitted that the conversation was blunt regarding his future prospects as the Belgian number one. “He replied that he cannot guarantee me a starting place then,” Courtois revealed. “If the goalkeeper playing in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel might continue with him. However, I want to fight for my place. I want to prove that I can be the first-choice keeper again.”