Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has accused Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone of criticising Real “to be popular with his fans.”
Earlier this month, Simeone claimed former Chelsea keeper Courtois had won FIFA’s The Best Goalkeeper award only because he plays for Real.
The Atleti coach also said star forward Antoine Griezmann should have won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real midfielder Luka Modric, with Modric accusing him of having “a need to undermine” Real.
Speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano, Courtois told Real Madrid TV: “Simeone criticises Madrid so as to be popular with his fans. He always does it — attacks Madrid for being the best in the world.
“Everyone’s opinions have to be respected, and everyone can say their personal opinion.
“But I was there [at Chelsea] for three years and, when you always fight against Real Madrid, who are the best team in the world, you’re going to say things to generate populism.
“In my case, he said I had won that trophy because I played for Real Madrid, but in the World Cup I was at Chelsea, and in the The Best Award the votes were closed in July.
“[Atletico Madrid’s Jan] Oblak is also a great goalkeeper and could have had more points, but there are a lot of people who vote.”