Casillas to AS

Iker Casillas talked to AS about the derby against Atletico Madrid.

What do you think the match against Atletico will be like?
It’s the first time in a very long time in which the situation is uneven for both teams because of the positions we both have on the table and of what’s been happening at Atletico recently. They may be going through a difficult time, but we have also been criticised this season. The fans always get excited about the derby. Everything will be the same as always once it starts.

Is it better to face an Atletico in crisis?
It may be worse because they have a new, intelligent coach who knows how to motivate players and wants to make the fans happy after everything that’s happened. I haven’t lost at the Calderon in ten years.

It’s a stadium in which you earn good results against them…
We also do that at the Bernabeu. We lost 3-1 against them at the Calderon the year in which they were relegated, but I only played 20 minutes in that game.

You have always performed very well at the Calderon.
I’ve done well there. I like to play at that stadium. I think their fans cheered my name last year because of my good relationship with Luis Aragones. I am grateful to them for that. I noticed the rivalry with Real Madrid in my first year; Kiko was still on the team. I guess one of my fondest memories is the 4-0 victory we earned in 2003. In 2005, Torres despaired because he had many shots on goal but failed to defeat me.

Is it strange to see Atletico in the latter positions of the table?
Yes. I would like them to be contenders for the title every year. They are a great team. Back in the day, the three greats were Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico.

Will Asenjo become a great goalkeeper at Atletico?
I’m sure of it. Sergio is proving to keep a cool mind. He never gives up and he is just 20 years old. He will become great.

Do you think he will be like you and save the team in several occasions at just 20 years of age?
Maybe. I’m stunned at my beginnings when I think about them. He may have a similar career to mine.

What do you think of Quique Sanchez Flores as a coach?
He is a nice guy and an exemplary coach.

Would you have liked to see Luis Aragones as Atletico’s coach?
Luis exudes ‘Atletismo’ all the time. I always thought rumours placing him at Real Madrid were wrong. I would like to see him coach any team.

What do you think of Forlan and Aguero?
They are so good! Every team is after Forlan because he finishes off every single play. He reminds me of Van Nistelrooy. Aguero is fast, strong, young and a cheeky striker.

Which is more dangerous?
It’s hard to say. Aguero is very fast and you can always see Forlan when he is coming at you.

Real Madrid have reacted well after the defat in Alcorcon…
You sometimes need a harsh blow on order to react. Sevilla were our first important opponent of the season. We lost and we have to see what we did wrong to improve.

How’s the team defending?
We have to make our attackers help out in defence. Raul always helps out in midfield and in defence. It’s good for youngsters like Benzema, Higuain and Granero to know they have to work in defence also.

Did the team reach its lowest point in Alcorcon?
I wouldn’t be that drastic, but it was a very hard day for us. It may have marked a turning point for us. Coming back from that defeat wouldn’t be an epic feat because, with all due respect, Alcorcon are a Second Division B team as opposed to a First Division side. They are nevertheless very good.

How’s Cristiano doing?
He is suffering because he wants to help the team. He looks worried. I hope he comes back in two weeks because the season is going to be tough and we need him to be 100% fit. We know he wants to play for Portugal because he wants to make it to the World Cup. We just want him to get well.