:"Real Madrid should keep faith in Cassilas"

Real Madrid should keep faith in goalkeeper Iker Casillas despite his recent high-profile errors for club and country, according to former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta. 

Casillas’ form has once again come under scrutiny following a poor display for La Roja against Slovakia, with David De Gea preferred for the next match against Luxembourg. 

But Mendieta believes Carlo Ancelotti should stick with the 33-year-old and resist the temptation to call upon Keylor Navas for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool. 

“[Casillas] can still deliver, he is a goalkeeper, he will make mistakes,” the former Valencia midfielder told Goal. “It is not only the goalkeeper that defends, it is also the defenders, the midfielders… it is down to the whole team to defend. 

“I think this season could be his last at the level he used to be, [but] I think this season he can give a lot to Real Madrid. Madrid have to be clever in how they bring in Keylor Navas, if they think Navas is going to be their long-term No.1.

“Does he deserve to start against Liverpool? I think so. [Ancelotti] has made his mind up about him - don’t change now. That will break up the balance and confidence. 

“If he puts Casillas on the bench he is telling him he doesn’t trust him and doesn’t have any confidence in him. Then he could lose him completely for the rest of the season.”



Mendieta admits he has doubts about the balance of Ancelotti’s side following the sales of Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria, but praised James Rodriguez’s defensive efforts. 

He added: “I think James has done really well adjusting to his new role because he is no Di Maria. 

“He has to do a lot of work in defence, which he is not used to, because the attacking trio [of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema] will not track back and help. 

“Real Madrid normally have enough quality to beat lesser sides, but when they play against other big teams they are going to punish you – you need to defend with 11 men.”