Speaking after Real's 1-1 draw at Zaragoza, José Mourinho confirmed that Iker Casillas would be left out for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Galatasaray.
Real Madrid boss José Mourinho spoke to the press after watching Real Zaragoza hold his side to a 1-1 draw at La Romareda. The Portuguese coach confirmed that Iker Casillas would again be left out for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Galatasaray on Wednesday, declaring: "If Diego López continues in this vein, it'll be difficult to drop him."Have you missed an opportunity to close the gap on Barcelona at the top of the league?
"We gave up hope of retaining La Liga some time ago. It's no longer a question of whether we can win it or not, but of how many points [Barcelona win the title by]. This draw means that we can lose second place. If Atlético Madrid win [against Valencia on Sunday evening], they'll go one point ahead of us. That's the most important thing."
How does this result affect your preparations for the Champions League quarter-finals?
"It doesn't. Our targets are the final of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In La Liga, we ensured a top-three finish a long time ago. Our target in the league is to finish second and win each game. Wednesday's game [against Galatasaray] is not affected by this result."
What is your assessment of Diego López?
"I can't say that any player is a certain starter until the end of the season. What I can say is that he put in one very important performance for us. He has made some great saves and he has come through a number of very difficult games, like those against Manchester United and Barcelona. In football we have to try to be honest with ourselves and with our players; if Diego López continues in this vein, it'll be difficult to drop him."
Will Iker Casillas be on the bench against Galatasaray on Wednesday?
"He won't be in the squad until the game against Levante [on 6 April]."
Are your forwards out of form?
"We aren't scoring many goals - that's a fact. It's one of the differences from last season. They have all scored fewer goals, and that is felt by the whole team. [But] the goals will come. It's true that we're having problems in front of goal at the moment."
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