Casillas Defends Pepe Price Tag
Long-serving Merengues keeper Iker Casillas defended the big-money
signing of Brazilian defender Pepe before claiming that he'd
welcome competition for the #1 jersey.
Iker Casillas spoke thoughtfully of Real Madrid's transfer policy
and, in doing so, defended the 30 million euro signing of ex-Porto
stopper Pepe.
He said the price tag was justified because, "clearly he's worth
it, and is a great player."
Perhaps sensing that this alone was not a sufficient reply, he
added - quite justifiably - that the big-money signings of Zidane,
Ronaldo, Beckham and Sergio Ramos were for the most part very
positive moves for Madrid.
Of course, both of Madrid's big summer signings so far have been in
defence, which did not faze the international goalkeeper. He
remarked, "anyone in any position is welcome if they improve the
team. I believe strongly in always building from the back."
This seems to go against the newly-rediscovered 'attacking
football' ethos at the Bernabeu; however, he remains convinced that
Madrid will strengthen in midfield and up front.
But what about in goal? Casillas reacted positively to the
suggestion that a new 'keeper could be on coach Schuster's shopping
list, saying that "competition is always good." On the subject of
Schuster himself, Casillas, predictably enough, declared him a
"great coach."
Finally, returning to the theme of free-flowing football, Casillas
pronounced himself delighted at Madrid's emotional league victory,
but conceded that the fans were not always treated to silky soccer
along the way.
