Alvaro Arbeloa has asked Madrid fans to give their support to both of the team's goalkeepers.
Despite the arrival of a new coach in Carlo Ancelotti, Los Blancos are mired in controversy once more thanks to the goaltending dispute currently unfolding. Iker Casillas, often called "St. Iker" for his mesmerizing performances, has been relegated to the bench in both of Madrid's first matches this season, and fans haven't been happy.
"I understand that they support Iker, and I share that, I am the first to give him support because, of course, for him this is not an easy situation," said Arbeloa, according to ESPN. "But we are professionals, we respect the coach's decisions, whoever plays, and the supporters must be with Iker, with Diego, with whoever is Real Madrid's keeper. We have enough enemies not to start killing among ourselves as well."
He noted that every player will get a chance to shine in the coming games.
"There will be time for everyone to play, to help the team," he said. "With Iker it must be the same -- he has a lot of experience and, as I said, the season is very long, and I am sure there will be time for everyone."
The two relegations have made it clear that Ancelotti prefers Lopez; many have questioned whether this will harm Casillas' ability to earn a spot in the upcoming World Cup. However, national team coach Vicente del Bosque has put all of his support behind Casillas.
"Iker is not the same as others," del Bosque told AS. "We must think of his many years in football, his 149 international caps. I believe we must show him affection and respect. We must be good to Iker Casillas, because he has shown so much."
"We are defenders of Iker -- we must treat everyone the same, but to do that in a group of 23 players is, sometimes, the biggest injustice."