Michel: Iker is untouchable

Former Real Madrid player Michel has waded in on the debate surrounding Iker Casillas and Jose Mourinho, commenting that the goalkeeper is ‘untouchable’.

Casillas hasn’t featured for Madrid since returning to full fitness in March amid reports of a difficult working relationship with Mourinho.

In his place has played Diego Lopez, who Michel signed only last summer for Sevilla.

“There are people in Madrid that are untouchable because they have earned it. The Coach then has his decision,” reflected the current Olympiacos Coach to Marca this week.

“Diego Lopez is outstanding, but Iker is the best goalkeeper in the world without any doubt. That’s my opinion.

“When at Sevilla I asked for Diego Lopez to be signed, but his form was unrecognisable compared to how he is playing now, for whatever reason.

“Whether you like him or not, Mourinho has always acted the same way, for all his trophies. Maybe we used to be amused by him but we aren't any more.

“Madrid isn't doing itself any favours with everything that's been going on. I'm a real Madrid fan, not a ‘pseudo-madridista’, and that's the way I see it from afar, without meaning to point the finger at anyone.

“There's been one controversy after another in recent years.”

Michel turned his attention to Geoffrey Kondogbia, who he worked with at Sevilla in the first half of this season and who is now attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“He is a good passer and strikes the ball well. He's very adept tactically, considering he's only 19, and has bags of ability.

“He's more than a flash in the pan. He has real personality and force of character. He joined Sevilla in difficult circumstances but hasn't been cowed.

“He's good enough to play for Real Madrid or Barça: he's a top player and will be up there with the best when he makes the step up.

“If you can get him for a reasonable price, he'd be a bargain. He joined Sevilla on a free. If I had the money, I'd sign him.

“And since some people blame me for signing Maduro, I guess they'll do the same for Kondogbia.”

Tags Casillas Diego Lopez Michel mourinho
La Liga - Club News