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Lopetegui not worried about Courtois' ability on the ball

The goalkeeper did not always look comfortable with the ball at his feet against Espanyol, but his manager dismissed the criticism

Julen Lopetegui dismissed questions about Thibaut Courtois' footwork after Real Madrid beat Espanyol 1-0 to move top of La Liga.

Courtois was recalled in goal for Saturday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu after Keylor Navas was preferred for Madrid's midweek Champions League defeat of Roma.

The Belgium international, winner of the Golden Glove at the World Cup, collected a clean sheet without being seriously tested despite Borja Iglesias' chip hitting the crossbar.

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And asked about Courtois' ability on the ball after Madrid's narrow win, Lopetegui suggested it is a matter of practice for the former Chelsea goalkeeper.