Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has played down the influence of Barcelona in the national team. Barca by coach Pep Guardiola, which has seen the Catalan club win a plethora of trophies in the last three seasons including three Primera Division titles and two Champions League crowns.

Seven Barcelona players started for Spain in the World Cup final win over Holland and all of the goals in South Africa were scored by members of Guardiola's squad - even though striker David Villa had yet to feature for the Catalans, having signed just before the tournament for Valencia.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has said that Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is one of the best in the world.

The duo, who were both part of the Spain squad that lifted the World Cup last summer, will be pitted against each other in the Primera Liga at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

Valdes was the third-choice keeper behind No.1 and captain Casillas in South Africa, while Liverpool's Pepe Reina took the number two spot.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that he is disappointed with the 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna.

Falling further behind Barcelona as the race for La Liga hots up, San Iker still believes that his team can rein the champions in and claim the league title.

Speaking to AS, he said, "It's a step back because two weeks ago, we took the opportunity [to close the gap]. Today though, we have tried, we created chances but the ball did not want to go in."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has said that the red card given to him is unfair. The Spaniard lasted just two minutes of the game before being given the marching orders by referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz for a foul on Jose Callejon outside the Madrid penalty box, although replays showed there was mininal contact from Casillas.

Speaking on his dismissal, the 29-year-old felt his dismissal was uncalled for but was relieved that his side managed to win the game even with 10 men.

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said that he wants his team to score against Sevilla. The Merengues take on Sevilla in the semi-finals with the first-leg slated to be played tonight, and Casillas has stated that Madrid are keen to win the competition.

"It is very important that we score in Seville," Iker Casillas is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website. "I would rather come back for the second leg with a 1-1 draw than a scoreless draw, although we are definitely going to try to win.

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said that José Mourinho is the best coach that he has worked with. Mourinho was named FIFA's 2010 Men's Coach of the Year on Monday and Casillas is glad to be working with such an esteemed figure. However, the World Cup-winner believes that the Portuguese is portrayed incorrectly by most people.

"We have worked together for six months and he has little to do with the Mourinho that most people see," Casillas told Realmadrid TV. "He always shows concern for everyone and he never forgets about those who are always in contact with the players.

Iker casillas has praised Lionel Messi by saying that he could be one of the best players in the future. Messi has been nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or along with Barcelona teammates Xavi and Iniesta. The trio have formed the backbone of a Catalan outfit that has mesmerised the football world with its sumptuous play.

Xavi and Iniesta also played vital roles in Spain's World Cup triumph in South Africa in June.

Iker Casillas, also a World Cup winner himself missed out on the final cut for the award.

Speaking to Marca he said: "I'm disappointed not to get into the finalists."

Iker Casillas says that he is pleased that Real Madrid won against Ajax in the champions league to progress into the next stage as winners. Iker Casillas, who didn't have the busiest of nights at the Amsterdam ArenA, echoed the Frenchman's comments.

"I vomited last night, but I feel fine now. It isn't easy to play as solidly as we do. We are having a very good and positive run.

"We are the leaders in a group that has very complicated opponents. We are making a good impression in the Champions League, something we haven't done in recent years."

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas says that Jose Mourinho will not be tempted by temporary Portugal role. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) want Mourinho to lead the national team for the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Denmark and Iceland in October after Carlos Queiroz was dismissed from the post.

Although Mourinho has said he wants to coach his national team at some point in his career, Iker Casillas believes the former Porto, Chelsea and Inter tactician already has enough work to do in Madrid.

Real Madrid number one Iker Casillas has spoken highly of Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez. The World Cup winner was speaking ahead of Spain’s friendly with Mexico, during which the Bernabeu hero will come up against Old Trafford’s latest signing.

Casillas believes Hernandez, nicknamed ‘Chicharito’, is a great signing for the Red Devils having seen the 22-year-old in South Africa and indeed during his senior debut for Manchester United at Sunday’s Community Shield.