Despite the historically tense relationship they shared during Mourinho's time at the Bernabeu, which ended with the goalkeeper being benched and causing a social rift within Madrid, Casillas wanted to separate the professional from the personal. The former goalkeeper acknowledged 'The Special One's' value as a manager before clarifying that his words didn't stem from past animosity, but rather from a purely sporting perspective on what the club needs now.
In this regard, Casillas nuanced his criticism to avoid misunderstandings about his inner motivations. "I think he's a great professional. I have no problem with Mourinho. It's a personal opinion. Nothing more," he stated firmly.