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Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui hints at goalkeeper rotation

Julen Lopetegui refuses to guarantee regular football for big-money signing Thibaut Courtois, hinting that he will instead rotate the Belgian keeper with Keylor Navas.

Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has revealed that he will select his goalkeeper on a 'week-by-week' basis this season, despite spending £35m to sign Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.

The Belgium international missed out on selection entirely for the midweek UEFA Super Cup defeat against Atletico Madrid, five days after completing his switch to the Spanish capital, meaning another start for Keylor Navas.

Lopetegui is making no promises to Courtois ahead of the La Liga opener at home to Getafe on Sunday, suggesting that he is prepared to make the 26-year-old wait for his first appearance in Real Madrid colours.

"There isn't a magic formula. We need to manage it week by week," he said at his pre-match press conference. "We will see as we go who is best for the team at any given time. We have two magnificent goalkeepers, and others as well.

"But of course these are two international-level keepers and we will try to manage it well and make decisions for the team. Of course there is huge competition for the team but I see it as something positive in that position. It's good for the team to have competition."

Navas started 27 league games for Los Blancos last season and a further 11 in their successful Champions League campaign.

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Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring in his side's UEFA Super Cup clash with Atletico Madrid on August 15, 2018
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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