Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has backed under fire Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas and admitted he is unlikely to drop him any time soon.
Not for the first time this season, the shot stopper was the target for some jeering on Tuesday night as Los Blancos lost 4-3 at home to Schalke in the Champions League. The holders clung on to a 5-4 win overall and made it to the quarter finals.
But Casillas was seen by many for being at fault for at least three of the four goals conceded, and along with Gareth Bale, was booed by some sections of the Madrid support.
Speaking to Radio Marca, del Bosque backed his keeper and said he is still world class. Casillas has won two European Championships and the World Cup with Spain and has made 160 appearances for his country.
Del Bosque said: “He did not play well and he admitted that. He also saved Madrid at the end. We don’t have to make a change unless the dip in form is alarming. I think he is in good shape.”
It is not the first come the former Madrid boss has backed Casillas. The manager also stood by him at the start of the season after he was blamed for Spain’s disastrous World Cup last summer.
….and does sayeth the boss!