Former Real Madrid fullback Michel Salgado has urged Thibaut Courtois not to bite back at critics.

Courtois took aim at Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone last weekend, claiming the Argentine's constant sniping was to play to the gallery.

While agreeing with the Belgian, Salgado says at Real there's no reason to get into such public spats.

"I think he does not know Real Madrid, we do not need to answer anyone," said Salgado.

He also declared: "Madrid without a Cristiano (Ronaldo) is in transition, he can not be replaced with one person, the change has to be in the system".

"It was not measured that he set the tone, there is not a magician who changes seven years in half a month."