'Rattled' Carlo Ancelotti: Iker Casillas will play Clasico

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Iker Casillas will start the Clasico against Barcelona next week after issuing a rallying cry to his players ahead of Levante.

The veteran goalkeeper is likely to be dropped in favour of Keylor Navas for the visit of the Valencians on Sunday, but the coach stood by the No 1 in spite of his recent poor form between the sticks.

“I haven’t decided who will play in goal [against Levante] yet because we have everyone available,” he said at a press conference.

“I’ll choose the team I think will win the match. I won’t point fingers at anyone [for our slump]. I trust all my players.

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“Keylor [Navas] may play, as might [Iker] Casillas. If I play Keylor, it’s to give him minutes because he’s gone a long time without playing.

“If he plays tomorrow, surely [Casillas] will play against Barca, and if Casillas plays against Levante, Casillas will also play against Barca.

“The [recent] past has affected us, but we want to get through this [slump] and sort our problems out.

“Everything’s out in the open and we’re still very motivated about winning titles this season.

“Sergio [Ramos] is fine, he’ll help us a lot, as will Modric. He has personality, character and everyone’s happy about his return.

Real Madrid's Luka Modric (L) is challenged by Schalke 04's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during their round of 16 second leg soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, in Madrid, March 10, 2015 (Reuters)

Image credit: Reuters

“It’s normal to be rattled. Everyone is rattled, the entire Real Madrid have been rattled.

“By this I don’t mean throwing the towel in. We’re going to make more effort, more sacrifice and I’m convinced that things will change very quickly.

“I don’t know if the press are trying to force out [Gareth] Bale, I’m just focused on my job.

“We don’t know anything about [Sami Khedira joining Schalke], but you can ask him. If he doesn’t speak, it’s because he doesn’t know himself.

“However, the player’s out of contract and can sign for any team he wants because the law says so. [Sami] Khedira is very professional.

“Injuries have affected our midfield because we’ve had players out for a long time, but I don’t think there’s much difference between [Asier] Illarramendi, Lucas [Silva] and the rest. I trust them all.

“We must focus on our work in order to change this run [of poor results]. We’ll try to play a game of quality and intensity. We have to stick together.”

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Read the original article on Football Espana - The ultimate website for English-speaking fans of Spanish football

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