Pepe risks Mourinho’s anger by taking sides with Casillas

Real Madrid defender Pepe, has risked Jose Mourinho’s wrath by publicly declaring his support for goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has been dropped for many matches by his compatriot.

Mourinho had said on Friday, that he regretted not signing Diego Lopez much earlier during his time as manager of the Spanish club. The former Sevilla player has become the former Chelsea boss first choice, even after Casillas recovered from hand injury.

“We have to have a bit more respect for Iker. The boss’s quotes were not the most suitable,” the 30-year-old told Canal Plus after Madrid’s defeated Valladolid on Saturday.

“Iker is an institution – at this club and in Spain. He has to know that we [the players] and the fans are behind him.”

Speaking on the speculation linking Mourinho with a possible return to Chelsea, Pepe said: “We’re relaxed. The coach needs to sort it out with the club. We are playing for the shirt.”

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