IKER CASILLAS HAS branded talk about who should be Real Madrid’s No.1 on Saturday as “morbid” with the club fighting on two fronts in the final two months of the season.
The Blancos’ Clasico defeat last month saw them fall four points behind Barcelona in the title race, although two wins since have ensured they have kept pace with Luis Enrique’s men.
Following a solid performance as the Blancos defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0 on Wednesday, Casillas was asked whether he should be sidelined on Saturday against Eibar to protect him from Santiago Bernabeu boo boys.
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“The coach makes decisions on behalf of the team,” he told Canal+ in response. “We accept all Carlo Ancelotti’s decisions. The important thing is to win and to hope Barca don’t.
Dropping me is not about protection, we’ve talked a lot about this. It is a debate that is more morbid outside the club than within. What people have to do is encourage players to win every game.”
Regarding his own showing against Rayo Vallecano, which drew praise from club director Emilio Butragueno, the club captain was particularly happy at not having conceded.
“I’m happy with my performance,” Casillas continued. “The important thing is that we kept a clean sheet, that’s better from us.”
Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez commended the Spain veteran for keeping his players at bay in the midweek tussle, especially considering the criticism he has been given this campaign.
Casillas has had to deal with relentless speculation suggesting he's set to be replaced at Real Madrid by Manchester United's David de Gea. Richard Sellers / EMPICS Sport
Richard Sellers / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport
“Casillas silenced many mouths,” Jemez said. “He still remains one of the best goalkeepers and he proved that once again against us.”
If Ancelotti does decide to rest Casillas this weekend, summer signing Keylor Navas could get a rare chance to shine between the sticks.
The Costa Rican shot-stopper has made just three appearances in La Liga so far this season since starring at World Cup 2014 helped secure his move from Levante, with Casillas remaining Ancelotti’s No.1 in 2014-15.
'Casillas silenced many mouths' in response to those David de Gea rumours
IKER CASILLAS HAS branded talk about who should be Real Madrid’s No.1 on Saturday as “morbid” with the club fighting on two fronts in the final two months of the season.
The Blancos’ Clasico defeat last month saw them fall four points behind Barcelona in the title race, although two wins since have ensured they have kept pace with Luis Enrique’s men.
Following a solid performance as the Blancos defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-0 on Wednesday, Casillas was asked whether he should be sidelined on Saturday against Eibar to protect him from Santiago Bernabeu boo boys.
“The coach makes decisions on behalf of the team,” he told Canal+ in response. “We accept all Carlo Ancelotti’s decisions. The important thing is to win and to hope Barca don’t.
Regarding his own showing against Rayo Vallecano, which drew praise from club director Emilio Butragueno, the club captain was particularly happy at not having conceded.
“I’m happy with my performance,” Casillas continued. “The important thing is that we kept a clean sheet, that’s better from us.”
Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez commended the Spain veteran for keeping his players at bay in the midweek tussle, especially considering the criticism he has been given this campaign.
“Casillas silenced many mouths,” Jemez said. “He still remains one of the best goalkeepers and he proved that once again against us.”
If Ancelotti does decide to rest Casillas this weekend, summer signing Keylor Navas could get a rare chance to shine between the sticks.
The Costa Rican shot-stopper has made just three appearances in La Liga so far this season since starring at World Cup 2014 helped secure his move from Levante, with Casillas remaining Ancelotti’s No.1 in 2014-15.
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Barcelona FC Carlo Ancelotti David de Gea Iker Casillas Keylor Navas Real Madrid written off