Iker Casillas has insisted he will help Diego Lopez as much as he can despite the pair competing to be Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Lopez has worn the gloves throughout the League campaign and will do so again as Madrid go to Real Sociedad without Cristiano Ronaldo.
Casillas, who also gave his thoughts on Ronaldo’s absence and the incident between Pepe and Sergio Busquets in an interview published by Marca, will travel with the Madrid squad to San Sebastian but he is unlikely to play, given Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to persist with Lopez as first choice for the League.
But Casillas has been Madrid’s Champions League goalkeeper, with the suggestion Casillas could return to the League XI should Madrid reach the tournament’s final, in an attempt to keep him sharp for the showpiece game.
Asked if he would welcome that possibility, Casillas confirmed he would, but not for individual reasons.
“Honestly I would love you to ask me that question on April 30 because it would mean we’re in the final,” Casillas said.
“Since the season started I’ve been playing Cup and Champions League games and it’s true it’s different than recent years, but I have done good things and it’s gone well.
“Hopefully it won’t take its toll because in March I played against Schalke and no one else.
“Who should play is always a matter of opinion. The Coach is the one who decides.
“I’m giving support to Diego for the League and he’s doing the same for me in the Cup and the Champions League.
“I believe Diego deserves all the respect and support once the competition starts until it finishes. But my intention is to compete.
“This season might be the best of my career. At the end we will take stock of how it has been but I’m not wrong. It’s very good to get to the Cup final and almost the semi-finals of the Champions League.
“My desire is to stay here and finish my contract but the important thing is to finish the season, and hopefully enjoy it.”
Victor Valdes’ injury has opened up a place in Spain’s World Cup squad and Casillas said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Lopez take it. Nor does he feel Lopez would be out of his depth with La Roja.
“Of course [Lopez could play for the national team]. He was called up a few years ago.
“It’s a decision Vicente del Bosque has to make since the unfortunate injury to Victor. In the end the Coach will make the best decision for the team.
“But Diego could have the confidence of the Coach.”
