No space even on the bench for Spanish goalkeeper.
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Jose Mourinho has hit back at criticism he has received for leaving Iker Casillas out of the squad for Real Madrid’s Champions League game against Galatasaray according to The Daily Mail.
Some of the club’s supporters were reported to be fuming after it was revealed that Casillas will not even appear on the bench for the game.
The Spanish goalkeeper is the only player currently at the Bernabeu who has won the Champions League previously with Real Madrid.
But Mourinho has preferred to include Jesus Fernandez and Antonio Adan in the squad ahead of Casillas and was resolute in his decision.
Mourinho confirmed that Casillas was fit and available to play but insisted the keeper had to train hard and wait for his opportunity.
The ‘Special One’ insisted he was being fair with the Spanish number one and denied suggestions the move could have a negative impact on the dressing room atmosphere.
Mourinho and Casillas have endured a fractured relationship. The former Chelsea manager became the first boss to drop Casillas in over a decade when he left the player out of Real Madrid’s team to play Malaga last year.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported in January that Casillas and Sergio Ramos informed club officials that they would be handing in transfer requests should Mourinho remain in charge at the beginning of next season.