‘Castilla’s over-aged have role’

Real Madrid Castilla captain Juanfran Moreno has accepted Jose Mourinho’s position with the older players in the youth team, but says they still have a role.

In facing criticism for his reluctance to pick players from the youth team, Mourinho turned attention on to Castilla Coach Alberto Toril, for fielding players as old as 24 and playing tactics that were too dissimilar to the senior side.

For Juanfran, who is himself 24, the logic is sound, even if he insists that his place in the Castilla side is merited.

“We see the logic, the Coach of the first team wants players who he can develop,” reflected the winger to reporters.

“At 24, we will not reach the first team, but we are here to help the 17-year-olds grow and help the team maintain their League position.”

The player dedicated his goal at the weekend to Toril, but denied that it was a pre-planned gesture.

“We did it because we have spent some time with him and though it was time to dedicate a goal to him. We decided suddenly to do it, there was no discussion.

“Earlier on during my time at Castilla I was going through a bad spell and he was very important to me.

“It is not an attack on Mourinho, it was a thank you to Toril and hopefully he will not get angry.”

Tags Juanfran Moreno mourinho Real Madrid Castilla Toril
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