Real's show stopper
Last updated: 14th May 2008
Casillas: ready for Euro 2008
I think it's ridiculous to consider Spain to be favourites at Euro 2008.
Iker Casillas
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Iker Casillas admits that at the tender age of 26, he already feels like a Real Madrid veteran.
The Spanish goalkeeper has enjoyed another fine season - his eighth as a first-team player at the Bernabeu - as Real stormed to the Spanish title and he is almost certain to claim the Zamora Trophy for La Liga's top goalkeeper.
Casillas insists the secret to his success is a desire to perform better every season and he told Revista de la Liga he is constantly striving to improve his perceived weaknesses.
"This season has been a really good one," he said.
"Every year I gain maturity and experience and this year I've gained more valuable experience.
"I think the fact that I started playing at the highest level when I was 18 when most goalkeepers only get there when they're 22 or 23 has given me an advantage. I'm 26-years-old but I feel like I have the experience of a 31 or 32-year-old.
"I think one has to constantly aim to improve everything. I have to try and look to maintain my strengths and at the same time look to improve the weaker elements of my game.
"There are always things that one can learn, I think you can always improve, which is something I've done well.
"I think I have many weaknesses if you really analyse things in detail and every year I work on them and things improve.
"I've always struggled with gathering high balls, but this season I've not made any errors of that nature.
"Every year I feel more confident with the ball at my feet as it's becoming more and more important. I'm always looking to improve everything and that's what I've done."
Champions
Real Madrid wrapped up the Spanish league title with three games to go after seeing off the challenge of Villarreal and Barcelona, but their season was not as straightforward as it may seem.
Back in February, Real lost three out of four La Liga games and crashed out of the Champions League against Roma and many thought the team was throwing away their chances after a strong start to the campaign.
However, they bounced back by battling to a 3-2 victory against Recreativo and Casillas feels the players responded like champions rather than allowing the wheels to fall off their title charge.
He continued: "The day when we were most in danger of letting things slip was when we were playing in Recreativo Huelva and Barcelona were playing against Atletico Madrid at home.
"It's normal in a long season to have tough periods. We had our moments but in general this season it's been fantastic for us.
"I remember at that time there was a lot of talk of matters away from the pitch and that inevitably has an impact on the morale of the team. We're only human after all, but the key thing is we reacted and found our form again.
"The way we reacted as a team is something that gives me great confidence."
Favourites
As the Spanish season draws to a close, Casillas' attention will turn to international matters and Spain's chances at Euro 2008.
However, the Spanish number one is refusing to talk up his country's chances in Austria and Switzerland, even though the national team have been on fine form in recent months.
"I think it's ridiculous to consider ourselves to be favourites, he said.
"Not so long ago nobody gave us a chance, but now after we won our qualification group people are labelling us as favourites.
"I ignore such talk, I really think time will tell. It's a short competition, a matter of six games getting to the final and winning it.
"You have to be very focused and have lot of luck. It's a tournament that all comes down to 25 games where everything has to come together and that really is very complicated."
