Iker Casillas backs Zidane to remain as Madrid boss

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT
• 2 min read

Former Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has backed Zinedine Zidane to remain as the head coach of the Spanish champions.

The former shot-stopper offered his support to the current Los Blancos boss after receiving an award from Spanish newspaper AS to celebrate his long and successful career.

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Madrid currently sit in fourth position in La Liga, seven points behind early pace-setters Real Sociedad, albeit with a game in hand. They also face a battle to progress from Group B in the Champions League, needing a result against group leaders Borussia Monchengladbach in the final round of fixtures.

Just one win in their last five matches and back-to-back defeats have left Zidane under pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Casillas has faith that the Frenchman is still the right man for the job.

“Madrid now depend on themselves in the Champions League and the league is still quite even… it is a different year,” Casillas told AS.

“Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible. You cannot live in the past, but he has earned the right to lead Madrid.”

The 39-year-old won everything during his playing career, including the World Cup, two European Championships, three Champions Leagues and five La Liga crowns during his time in the Spanish capital, but he was forced to retire earlier this year after suffering a heart attack during a training session with Portuguese outfit Porto.

That led to questions regarding whether he would be tempted over a return to his boyhood club in some capacity.

“Back to Madrid? We have returned to Madrid, I will relocate and see in time … but Real Madrid is my home, if it happens it will be nice to come back,” he admitted.

A documentary titled ‘Spread your wings’ is being released which covers the Spaniard’s career with the last episode airing on Christmas Day.