Chelsea transfer news: Thibaut Courtois says he is happy at Stamford Bridge in huge boost for boss Antonio Conte
Courtois has been in fine form in recent weeks, as Chelsea look every inch future Premier League champions
THIBAUT COURTOIS has given Chelsea a huge boost by announcing this is the happiest he has ever been at the club.
The Belgian keeper rarely plays down speculation linking him with a move back to former club Atletico Madrid and has criticised training at Chelsea previously.
But working under boss Antonio Conte and with new keeper coach Gianluca Spinelli has made him feel more settled as he closes in on a second Premier League title.
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Courtois said: “I have never felt so good since I arrived in Chelsea. On the field, I am good, I make the decisive stops when it is necessary.
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“Sometimes I have just one or two to do. Against Hull, it was a little more at the weekend.
“But otherwise, I try to always be ready to help the team. My game has also improved a lot in the last two seasons. I sometimes have a few moments that are very difficult to manage but I'm doing well. I feel very confident right now.
“I like that we are asked to attack the ball and go forwards in any circumstances. There’s a good atmosphere in the group. Lots of jokes and banter but we work hard and we enjoy it.”
Courtois’ relationship with former keeper coach Christophe Lollichon was rumoured to be frosty.
Spinelli worked alongside Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon for years and was brought in by Conte who has transformed training and the players’ self-belief.
Courtois said: “Of course he changed stuff. But it is hard to say that it is only thanks to the coach. Players have also changed their mentality.
Last season, we may have started the championship in a way too relaxed.
“We were champions and maybe we were too quiet. It cost us points, we started losing matches and a negative atmosphere settled without us being able to get out.
“This year, after the defeats against Liverpool and Arsenal, with the players, we said that we had to give more to not relive the same season.
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And the system change also played. We're hungry to win. The difference with the other teams also comes from the fact that we win against the smaller opponents, which is not necessarily the case of Liverpool for example. "
Courtois also declared he has no interest to join the exodus of European stars heading for big money deals in China. Foreign keepers are banned in the Super League.
But Courtois added: “Some players are more concentrated on what they will do after their football career and want to make sure their lives are financially settled. I prefer to play in bg teams earn a little less money and win trophies.”