Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is adamant the club’s reserve players are adequate cover in light of the club’s injury problems.
Boss Jose Mourinho is struggling to field a defence against Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Alvaro Arbeloa, Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao all out injured after the recent internationals, but Casillas feels the youngsters coming through can step into the breach.
“We have enough options to cover for our injured players,” Casillas told reporters while making an appearance for a sponsor.
“What has happened because of the [so-called] FIFA Virus is that we now have reserves who are capable of playing in the first team. Mourinho knows all about them and will look for the best solutions for the Celta match.”
Casillas has received some criticism lately, particularly after his display in El Clasico at the Camp Nou, and responded to some of it by putting his point across via the social networks.
“These mediums are part of our lives and I reached a point where I decided to give my opinion about the recent comments, because I thought it was the right moment. I just wanted to clarify some things and I chose to do it through something people pay a lot of attention to these days.
“You’ve got to laugh at it, but as long as the criticism remains constructive then it can be a positive thing. When you do well for a long time and don’t particularly shine in a couple of games then it all seems gloomy.
“Even so, things can change in two or three games so I’m not worried. It’s all part of football and I’ll keep working to try and change those opinions.”
The Spain and Madrid captain was also asked about the furore caused by reports that Barcelona have made videos of defender Pepe’s alleged misdemeanours in Los Clasicos, particularly with regard to off-the-ball incidents with Lionel Messi.
“I don't know what to say. If Barca made this kind of video then I would be surprised. I can understand club’s making videos of opposing teams but to do it to one player is not right.”
