Premier League: Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois targets domestic and European double
Saturday 1 November 2014 13:15, UK
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has set his sights on a domestic and European double in his first full season at the club.
The Belgium international came agonisingly close to the feat last season in Spain with Atletico Madrid.
Courtois played a key role for Diego Simeone’s side as they defied the odds to beat giants Barcelona and Real Madrid to the La Liga title.
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A famous double was on the cards, with Los Rojiblancos coming within seconds of winning the Champions League against Real – only for Sergio Ramos’ stoppage-time header to level proceedings and allow their city rivals to go on and win 4-1 in extra-time.
Since his return to Stamford Bridge, which brought an end to his three-year loan spell with Atletico, the 22-year-old has helped Chelsea make a blistering start to both their domestic and European campaigns.
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Quality
The Blues sit top the Premier League, unbeaten after nine games and four points ahead of second-placed Southampton. They also lead their Champions League group with seven points from a possible nine.
Courtois, who has established himself as Chelsea's first-choice keeper since his arrival, believes the double is achievable for Jose Mourinho's runaway league leaders - citing their strength in depth as jutstification.
We have the team to win the Champions League. So hopefully we could win both.
"We have the quality to reach the Champions League, and to win it but there's other strong teams - Bayern, Barcelona, Madrid - so you need a little bit of luck not to play against them before the final," Courtois said.
"We have the team to win the Champions League. So hopefully we could win both. Obviously, we have a very strong team to do it, not only 11 players but a very strong bench and even players who fell out of the team sometimes.”
Preference
Asked for which trophy he would prefer get his hands on, Courtois would not be drawn on his choice and instead challenged his team-mates to claim the most coverted prizes in the English and European football.
"The Premier League would be really nice to win. I played the Champions League final last year so I want revenge for that (defeat) and win the Champions League," he added.
"To be Premier League champions you are the best team from 20 teams all season. If you play against City, United, Liverpool, Arsenal - if you are champions of the Premier League it is a really nice trophy.
"I'd rather have both, but if I had to choose, maybe the Premier League now and another year the Champions League."
