Casillas: I Don't Understand Why Alonso Is Being Criticized – Real Madrid Are La Liga Leaders and Champions League Quarterfinalists

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas discussed Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph and other topics in an interview.

In the previous round of La Liga, Real Madrid drew 2-2 away to Elche, and manager Xabi Alonso has faced a lot of criticism recently. But Casillas said: “I still don’t understand why people are criticizing Real Madrid, nor why they’re criticizing Alonso. He’s in a very favorable position right now—we’re top of La Liga and in the Champions League quarterfinals.”

Casillas added: “It’s crucial to work hard every day and recognize that you’re in a special position to bring joy to fans. These elements form the foundation of sportsmanship.”

He then recalled Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory: “The 2010 South Africa World Cup was the most important event in Spanish football history. It had a huge impact on the country, which was going through a difficult period at the time. Football has a unique power—I don’t know why, but it’s truly the sport that unites people the most.”

Finally, Casillas talked about his hobby: “I love playing padel, I really do. When I was young, my life was almost entirely occupied by football—I’d watch Segunda B in the morning, Segunda División in the afternoon, and then La Liga at 8:30 PM.”