What’s The Matter … With Casillas and Real Madrid?
Published:One thing that is beginning to look more likely by the week is that Jose Mourinho will not be managing Real Madrid next season.
Mourinho has seemingly made it his agenda to upset as many people as possible in recent months.
The media really dislike him because of his rudeness towards them and the fact access towards the players is so limited, while he has had supposed fall-outs with some of the playing staff.
The latest has revolved around the dropping of club captain Iker Casillas, who was left on the bench for the second game in succession in the 4-3 victory over Real Sociedad.
Mourinho’s reason was a valid one, arguing that regular back-up Antonio Adan had been showing the better form in training and was therefore deserving of a chance.
Other suggestions have included that being dropped is a punishment for Casillas for not coming back fully sharp from his Xmas break.
Either way, at a time when Real Madrid have 16 points to attempt to make up on Barcelona and a seriously depleted defence, dropping a player that has just been voted goalkeeper of the year for 2012 does not seem a sensible strategy.
As a result of their deficit, Real Madrid are 25/1 to win La Liga this season.
Only three recognised defenders started against Sociedad and four away defeats already this season has been a major issue, while they have scored 16 goals less than Barcelona.
Casillas, who has won more La Liga games this century than any other player, is clearly having a dip in confidence, but leaving him out is not the answer.
The obvious belief is that this move shows that Mourinho is in charge, Mourinho calls the shots and Mourinho can drop who he wants.
Then it is up to the fans whether they are still with him or whether they are now against him?
The latter is likely to be increasingly true and with the fans against him, this will help Mourinho force a summer departure where he can be sacked rather than resign.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
