Thibaut Courtois says Chelsea must give '150%' in Premier League title defence
Last updated on .From the section Football
Chelsea may have needed the "wake-up call" of losing to Burnley last week to show them the level of effort required to defend their Premier League title, says goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The 25-year-old admits Antonio Conte's side "started bad" with defeat at home on the opening weekend of the season.
They responded with Sunday's 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
"We don't have the easiest start but this victory is good for the confidence," he said.
"Maybe we needed as a group a little wake-up call and say 'look, we need to give 150% this year and not 100%'."
Marcos Alonso scored both of Chelsea's goals at Wembley, the second of which came in the 88th minute.
Captain Gary Cahill and midfielder Cesc Fabregas missed the game through suspension after being sent off in the 3-2 loss to Burnley, while Eden Hazard is still out through injury.
"Physically we dug very deep," said Courtois. "Spurs, especially the last 15, 20 minutes of the first half, they had a lot of pressure on us. As well in the second half.
"You see that physically we are very good and for us that is important."
Spurs have now lost seven of their past 10 games at Wembley.
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....a perfect example of why footballers are stereotyped as being thick.
Spurs home grown nice boys that don't want to be too paid much.
I am a United supporter from the Home Counties. I give 150% - sorry, meant 100%- in driving the 560 mile round trip for home games.
I am also a third year season ticket holder at Brighton, my local team,since moving down here.
One of my pals was born and bred in Hull and is a Chelsea season ticket holder.
Why would any of these facts impact on our ability to contribute to HYS?
I'm pretty sure Belgian schoolchildren are taught about the concept of percentages. The comment about giving 150% would be equally moronic in French or Flemish as it is in English.
on
4 minutes ago
Can I drive with you to one of our games.. been a life long supporter for about 25 years. because of where I leave very hard to get to games, .... encouraging to see how you drive such long distances to support club. Well done....keep it up. Loyalty like this is hard to find...
And what is the purpose of blaming whomever you refer to as the prawn sandwich brigade?
I realise that I don't know you but if you're over 14, why not trying commenting like you are?
Lot's of comments about how thick it is to say 150%. It's a well known saying, same as 110% I'm surprised people don't know this, but to then have the audacity to say it's the person saying the well known saying that is thick is just a bit...
...well, thick!
As for Spurs another potless season looks likely and the Wembley curse is set to stay.
Do the matchday programmes come in 3 different languages?
Fair play to TC, only fair that he can express his opinion on his own team. Interesting season ahead, looking forward to it.
On the more serious side, I am sure that Spurs will get it sorted -- but, wow, that is one ugly statistic!
Ok, I will give you the benefit of the doubt.........
But it is important to get important stuff like this right.......
🤓
This particular "idiot" would observe that Courtois said 'we need to give 150% this year and not 100%'. Not 'we need to increase our effort by 150%'.
So this 'dumbass' would observe that you, sir, are talking out of your hat.
😜
Like suggesting Teresa May is thick when she hopes for a "red, White & blue Brexit".....
Then again... ;-)