If the media are to be believed, Thibaut Courtois has repeatedly touted himself around Europe this season. Rather than discuss renewing his contract at Stamford Bridge, he wanted to concentrate on playing football. That was back in November. Sky Sports quoted the Belgian,
“The most important thing is to perform well for myself and the team. Regarding my contract, that’s something where Chelsea must deal with my agent. I don’t think there have been any new developments.”
“We have so many games at the moment, and I prefer to focus on the team’s matches, my own performances, and there will be time enough towards the end of the season to have talks.”
The constant chatter of a move away from Chelsea must have some substance or he would have already signed on the dotted line. Chelsea supporters are now beginning to grow tired of his talk.
He criticised fans when they booed the team in the 0-0 draw with Leicester City back in January. The paying support have every right to vent their feelings when they see their team underperforming. As players, they are more than willing to accept the plaudits when it’s going well. It’s a two way street.
By his own admission, he was culpable for the two goals Lionel Messi slotted through his legs in the Camp Nou. Of course, individual errors have been the story of Chelsea’s season, so he’s not alone in that respect. Goalkeeping mistakes tend to result in a goal being scored though.
For so many reasons this has been a bad season for Chelsea. No one has covered themselves in glory. Courtois would have been wise to have kept his head down and got on with the job of being a goalkeeper.
Once the dust has settled, it may be best for all concerned if he just quietly packs his bags and goes off to find whatever it is he thinks he wants. Blues supporters only want players at their club, who are committed to the Chelsea cause.