Casillas wants Pellegrini stay

(GSM) – Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas has stated that he wants Manuel Pellegrini to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu hot-seat for “long-term” amid speculation of another managerial change.

Jose Mourinho, who himself said that it was inevitable he would one day take charge of Real, has been linked to the job of handling the los Merengues when the season ends.

But Casillas, who turns 29 next week, has called for a rare stability after having seen countless players and managers come and go from his vantage point between the posts.

And he doesn’t want to witness another overhaul just because the current team hasn’t reached unrealistic expectations.

“I hope this project is allowed to grow and gain confidence,” he said. “We are a new team. There were many changes within the club, a new coach arrived as did many new players. We are on the right track, but because so much is demanded of Real Madrid there is not enough time. The long-term project is a good one.

“I find Pellegrini as calm as always, like it’s his first day here. He is very coherent and we stand by him. He and I have a close relationship, but I don’t decide what happens. My job is to save balls.”

Casillas praised the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the squad, after the Portugal forward scored 26 goals in 28 league matches so far this season following his world record £80million move from Manchester United.

The Spain goalkeeper added: “When you see Cristiano Ronaldo you notice the effort this club has made to bring the best players in the world. He is strong, spirited and has a winning attitude. He gives the team an extra gear and has the winning attitude demanded by Real Madrid. He is similar to Camacho, Pirri, Santilla and Juanito in that regard. They always wanted to win, just like Cristiano does.”

Casillas also had words of praise for city rivals Atletico Madrid following their midweek Europa League success over Fulham in Hamburg.

“I am very happy for Atletico Madrid because I am a Madrid native and I love it when the spotlight is on this city,” said Casillas.

“Our derbies are always a lot of fun. I must admit I was supporting them in the final. I am happy for their fans because they were able to take to the streets to celebrate for the first time in a long time.”