Casillas Praises Guardiola, Discusses Teammates Pepe and Llorente

Casillas Praises Guardiola and Addresses Team Dynamics

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas reiterated his praise for the FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who on Monday said he is "an example". Casillas stressed that his words should not be taken as criticism of his own coach.

"When I look at Guardiola, I see no controversy, but if you ask me, I do not measure my words. I will not say it's a disaster; I've never been one and I'm not going to be. I can think of others, but for me, the best person I know is my trainer," he said.

Teammates Pepe and Carvalho

On the other hand, regarding his colleagues Pepe and Carvalho, who will face each other in the friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, Casillas highlighted the seriousness and solidity that Carvalho brings with his "seniority." He also defended Pepe:

• "He has a temper, but he is a good kid. It is an amazing kid, my heart, but people can get the wrong idea about him."

Praise for Fernando Llorente

Casillas did not hesitate to praise the qualities of Athletic Club striker Fernando Llorente, who could be a backup for Real Madrid, as Diario AS published today (link).

"He's a very complete player due to his physique. He has things others do not have, and he can help in a very tight game. He's good at winning headers, he can pass to a teammate, and he holds the ball very well..." he stated.

As an example of what the Navarrese player can offer his team, Casillas cited Llorente's performance in the World Cup match against Portugal, where he came on and "got the team going and revolutionized the game." "He's a very good player, complete; he can score many goals and has qualities that other players do not have," he concluded.

Upcoming Clásico Discussion

Finally, Casillas reiterated that his teammates have not "talked about the issue of Barça-Madrid." "We are here to play a round of international matches; the Clásico is thirteen days away, and now is not the time," he said.

Marchena on Mourinho and Ronaldo

For his part, Carlos Marchena praised the "multitude of qualities" of Cristiano Ronaldo, such as his "depth, dribbling, and power," while claiming to have "good memories" of when he coincided with José Mourinho at Benfica.

"I was quite young and he was starting his coaching career. He built a good team with character and game. I cannot compare because I am not in his current group. From the outside, he appears to have the same qualities, but he has evolved. Each coach has their own style and way of working, and I cannot describe someone I do not work with daily," Marchena added.