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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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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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