Iniesta puzzled by Casillas situation

Posted Tuesday, May 07, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta admitted that he is puzzled by Iker Casillas' situation at Real Madrid.

Casillas lost his place in the starting XI of Real Madrid in January after an injury and has since found himself playing second fiddle to new signing Diego Lopez, with coach Jose Mourinho stating that he would have signed Lopez earlier if he could.

Iniesta was surprised by his international team mate's plight, considering his that he has shone for the club from a youth level and was their captain at the start of the season.

"From the outside, it's quite difficult to understand - for what Iker has always represented and continues to represent. Not just the fact that he is not getting a chance to play but for all the things that other people have been saying about it. It must be a very difficult moment for him", Iniesta told Onda Cero's 'Al Primer Toque' program.

"Diego López is a great keeper and has been playing well but I am not talking about sporting issues here, just what I have heard other people saying", the Barça player continued.

Iniesta conceded that the Champions League semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich still haunts the players but hopes that clinching the La Liga title can make up for it.

"The way we were knocked out of the tournament was terrible and of course, we are all feeling hurt by it. The pain goes right down into our souls - for the players and the fans." he added.

"We are close to claiming the league title after a tough season. We have had many problems to deal with through the campaign and for that reason, we have to cherish it even more.

"We have to look back on the season with perspective. We cannot just throw everything onto the rubbish heap when the team could be proclaimed league champions this week".

Barcelona can seal up the league title if they defeat Atletico Madrid this weekend but may be crowned La Liga champions earlier if Real Madrid fail to beat Malaga on Wednesday evening.