Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits he hates conceding any goal and is his own worst critic.
Speaking to Cadena Cope’s El Partido de las Doce programme, the Spanish international also touched on a number of subjects including El Clasico, the national team, referees and in particular his own attitude to the game.
“I’m very critical of myself because I don’t like letting goals in,” said Casillas. “I’m pretty self-critical and it gives me a headache when I concede.
“I know it’s part of the game and I need to accept it but it’s true that maybe I’m too harsh on myself. I always think I can do more even if it goes into the top corner.”
About referees, he says he respects the Madrid philosophy.
“Perhaps we started in an inappropriate manner and I don’t want to get into other issues, although there have been times when we have felt things have gone against us. However, we don’t cry about it.”
With the regards the eight-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga, Casillas believes it is not insurmountable but does admit it could be a worry if not reduced by the end of the year.
“If we are still eight points adrift in December then I could have a less favourable opinion with respect to La Liga. We’ve just drawn with a rival that is fighting for the title, but we can’t rule out Atletico Madrid. It hasn’t surprised me they are so high in the table.”
Casillas did not evade the question of boss Jose Mourinho’s relationship with defender Sergio Ramos.
“Perhaps it is our fault we are more airtight within the dressing room when compared to a couple of seasons ago. What side was I on? Sergio’s for supporting a teammate who was having a bad time and the boss’s because he was looking out for the team.
“It wasn’t a matter of being behind Sergio or the boss but supporting everybody equally.”
He also commented on the national team when asked if the current crop of players was getting past its sell-by date.
“For this team, like all others, time passes. We’ve had four years doing what we have done and we’ve won something again after more than 40 years.
“Like everything else, there is an expiry date against a number of senior players and after the Brazil World Cup the team will change,” said Casillas, who says he would like to continue playing for as long as possible.
“I hope and wish I go on for a long time but I’m realistic. There are players coming through and putting pressure on and it demands even more of you.
“However, while I have hope, desire and the confidence of my teammates and the Coach then I’ll carry on.”
