Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois fired back at Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who is ... [+] also a former coach of his at Los Blancos' crosstown rivals, during a prematch press conference on Monday.

Though the sitdown with the media was to preview Tuesday's Champions League showdown against Borussia Dortmund, Courtois was asked about lamentable scenes last month which caused the Madrid derby to be halted before play resumed after a long pause.

Ex-Rojiblancos shotstopper Courtois was targeted by Atleti ultras at the Metropolitano Stadium, with the throwing of objects at him causing the referee to temporarily call off the action.

Post-match, Simeone revealed how he told Courtois "to be calm", but also said that "we need to be careful with acting the victim - you see clearly that Courtois went to the fans [gesturing] and laughs and that makes this happen too."

Reminded of these remarks, Courtois stated that while he respects Simeone's opinion he doesn't "share it".

"Organizations have to decide and have already decided. I don't want to comment on anything else about that," he added.

At another point of the press conference, Courtois stressed how the "important thing is that there is no violence".

"Those who encourage and create rivalry do not cause problems. I like that atmosphere, it gives me more adrenaline and the desire to play. But always with respect, there can't be any violence.

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"Sometimes there is a game between players and fans, I have no problem with them singing to me. If we score a goal there can be a small reaction, but there can be no violence. We have to eliminate those who want to do harm."

Regarding Madrid's current "problems" on the field, which Carlo Ancelotti also touched on in his own press conference, Courtois said that there have been changes in how "some players are no longer there", which was possibly a nod to the likes of retired midfield legend Toni Kroos.

"Sometimes it is a little difficult to adapt. It's not something you [resolve] in a month or two. That's going to get better. It's not as bad as you paint it either. We talked about it, tried to improve it and that's what we tried to do," Courtois revealed.

Courtois believes that the attitude of Carlo Ancelotti's men "is always good" but there are sometimes communication issues.

"We defend the 11 that are there and we take the opponent out of position. Sometimes communication is needed. If one leaves early and another does not continue [up the field], gaps are created.

"That way they can hurt you and we have to improve. We have the coach to correct it. Physically it is not easy after such a long season with so little rest. [Fede] Valverde and Rodrygo come from South America and it's not easy to keep up. That's why it's important to win these games to be good at the end of the season," Courtois stressed.