Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says the late kick-offs scheduled for the start of the La Liga season are no problem to him.
The Belgian international, on loan from Chelsea for a second successive year at the Vicente Calderon, is the latest to comment on the late starts imposed on some clubs by the Spanish League.
Los Rojiblancos begin the new season with an 11pm local time kick-off at Levante on Sunday, yet Courtois insists the players must just get on with it.
“To me 11pm is just the same as 10pm. We are all professionals and if we have to play at that time then that’s what we must do.
“It will be difficult, but we hope that if we win then the time of the game will be forgotten,” he told AS.
Atletico have been one of the most vociferous clubs in complaining about the timetable, particularly since they have to face Chelsea in the Supercopa de Europa just four days after entertaining Athletic Bilbao in the second round of fixtures.
Even so, Courtois is looking forward to coming up against his parent club.
“Chelsea are my team but I am professional and want to win. My aim is to play well and come away with the trophy.”
On a personal level, the 20-year-old feels he needs to continue improving.
“I am still young and I can get better, so that’s what I need to do,” he explained.
“Last year I made some errors and I want to eliminate those from my game.
“I want to improve and help the team qualify for the Champions League.”
