Lopez

Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez has thanked Iker Casillas for his recent praise and insisted their relationship is a positive one.

The players are vying for a starting spot with Los Blancos but Lopez is usually the goalkeeper chosen in the League by Carlo Ancelotti, with Casillas playing in the Cup and the Champions League.

Lopez was in goal for Madrid’s 1-0 win over Malaga on Saturday and said despite the team’s performance being a little sub-par, they still deserved the win.

“We had many chances to score more goals,” Lopez told reporters after the final whistle.

“We controlled the game, although the score led to some uncertainty near the end.

“It was clearly not our best game but we didn’t have many problems. We were in control.

“With a 1-0 score line you should have finished the game before the final whistle and while it was tight, it hasn’t cost us.

“We should continue with the same mood and playing the same way, picking up points.”

Lopez added that the upcoming Clasico with Barcelona on March 23 is an important game but no more important than any of the 10 remaining League fixtures.

“It’s game-by-game and there are 10 more, not just the Clasico, although it matters a lot,” he continued.

“We’ll be four points ahead for that game and it’s important to arrive with strength and desire.

“It’s a great opportunity and while it’ll be difficult, it’s at our stadium and in front of our fans. The team is very good.”

On the subject of Casillas - who recently said that Lopez was a major reason Madrid are leading the League - Lopez was equally complimentary.

“I respect everyone’s opinion and I want to help my club, and fight for the team as Iker does,” Lopez said.

“He is the captain and an icon and I appreciate his words.

“I’m a lot happier when I play but I like Iker a lot.

“We’re competing for a place in the biggest team in the world. I demand a lot of myself and keep demanding more.

“I will always respect the Coach. He has three goalkeepers to choose from but I think Iker and I are doing well,” Lopez concluded.

Real Madrid goalkeeper, Diego Lopez gave an in-depth interview ahead of Sunday’s ‘El Clasico’ and discussed his relationship with fellow goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, his failed stint in Sevilla and the challenges of the season.

Speaking with Cadena SER’s ‘El Larguero’, Lopez went through a gauntlet of topics relating to his past year at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Respect: “I don’t think I’ve changed since I arrived at Real Madrid, I’m the same, I try to be the same. I’m not hurt nor do I feel attacked, I respect the work of the press, I don’t think I’ve been treated unfairly.”

Press: “I don’t feel as if I’ve been challenged, since I’ve arrived back at Real Madrid I’ve felt very loved, I’m very happy. I don’t feel that the press has been treated unfairly by the press. I have live with the criticism and the praise.”

The Fans: “I assume that they’re judging my performance, this is Madrid and it’s a very difficult position.”

Barcelona: “El Clasico is here, these are games meant to be enjoyed, to live them and win them. I haven’t been through a situation with Messi lining up for a penalty in the Bernabeu and I hope it doesn’t happen this Sunday.”

Happy: “My family is very happy. I have a fantastic family; it’s one of my greatest strengths. My wife supports me in everything. I came to Madrid when the opportunity arose, I knew it would be difficult to be the starter but it was an opportunity.”

Sevilla: “I wasn’t well in Sevilla, I feel sorry for the fans, I went there to give my all, I killed myself in training and tried to succeed there. I came to Sevilla psychologically down after Villarreal was relegation and I don’t think it was the right fit.”

Ancelotti: “I don’t think he’s done anything to offend anyone in the press. Ancelotti tells me I’m going to play in La Liga the day of the game. I don’t expect to play or not play. I knew it would be difficult to be the starter but I’m confident in my abilities, I knew I had to give my all and work hard.”

Casillas: “I have a good relationship with Iker, the things between us change with age but not because anything in particular has happened. I respect and admire Iker, I’ve always admired him. Iker has never shown me a lack of respect nor I to him. We have a cordial, natural relationship. What I see in both Iker and myself is the love from the fans, the Madridismo. This is what I lacked in Sevilla. I can’t say a single thing against Iker, because it wouldn’t be true.”

Atletico: “I have my share of the responsibility with Gabi’s goal at the Calderon and I accept it.”

Champions League: “If we reach the final of the Champions League and the manager decides to play Iker in La Liga matches, I’ll accept it.”

El Clasico: “We won’t show Barca a lack of respect, we know the talent and quality they have. Sunday will be difficult.”

Challege: “My idea is to continue at Real Madrid, it’s a great challenge for me. There’s no better club in the world than Real Madrid.”

Media: “I’m neither distant nor different, I’m the same. Maybe it’s because I lost the daily contact. I’ve never turned down a chance to speak with the media and I’ve always spoken like I am now today, how I feel.”

Dressing Room: “The situation in the dressing room is different from before. Ancelotti knows how to handle the dressing room, he’s a great person, natural and very intelligent.”

Ambitious: “I didn’t sign on to be a substitute, I signed on to compete and fight for my spot. I am confident in myself and my abilities, I’m very excited to continue being a Real Madrid player.”

Normality: “Iker was one of the best in the world. I don’t mind if you ask me about Iker. I know what he represents for Real Madrid and the country, it’s normal. Iker and I live through this situation with normalcy; we have a lot of respect for each other.”

Calderon: “I don’t think the failure at the Calderon has lowered my confidence. Apart from that play I was happy with the performance.”

National team: “Right now it’s very difficult to get on the national team; the three that are there deserve to be.”

Mourinho: “I am grateful to Mourinho because he made me believe in my abilities.”