Sergio Busquets has mused that Iker Casillas is ‘working harder’ in training with Spain, and commented that criticism of Barcelona may be ‘disproportionate’.
The midfielder is currently preparing for Spain’s friendly with South Africa this evening alongside his Real Madrid rival, who remains out of the first-team picture at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I see him as a little better. It is clear that perhaps he is hoping for the continuity in the team and that currently he is not getting that,” considered Busquets on his international captain to Onda Cero today.
“Now he is working harder in training. He has always worked hard, but now even more so.
“Sooner or later he will get what he wants and we will all be happy, both collectively and personally.”
The midfielder was asked for his view on the continued debate surrounding Barcelona’s playing style.
“Perhaps the criticisms are a little disproportionate. We know that we are not playing at the same level as under Guardiola, but I think that this would be impossible, mostly because the football advances.
“Perhaps we are aware of the difficulty, but it is fine for everyone to have their opinion.”
Busquets and his Barca teammates are without Lionel Messi for the rest of the calendar year.
“He is smart enough to know what he needs. This is not a short-term injury. I am sure he will return to his best.
“He’s going to recover as well as possible, and he will do so calmly. He knows more than anyone what he needs and he knows that rushing things can lead to complications.
“He will be back to us at 100 per cent.
“The Ballon d’Or? There are very good players. For me the number one is Messi. He doesn’t need to win the treble or finish the season as the leading goalscorer in La Liga.
“We do not know what values those voting are looking at, but it’s obvious an attacking player is going to win it. All the nominees are great players.
“The best is Messi, until he wants to be even better.”
