Casilla: “Llorente is an animal and Luis Suárez knows a lot about this”

Kiko Casilla (Tarragona, 1986) is the guardian of the Elche goal. The goal is loaned by Leeds and this afternoon will live a very special duel after training at Real Madrid and boast of having played the first derby in the Metropolitan. He praises Marcos Llorente and fears Luis Suárez.

This Elche looks good …

The truth is that if. Against Athletic we made merits to get more than one point. It is logical that we lacked filming but we squeezed an Athletic that is not just any team. People were happy.

And that they continue with the same block …

The base of the team is the same and we have arrived a few reinforcements that we have coupled very well to the group dynamics. The dressing room has made it very easy because there is a spectacular group. That makes you stronger.

And now Atlético …

We visit the champion. We are going to a field that will be different because it will have an audience again. We go with ambition. We know it won't be easy, but we can get something out of it.

And how do you see the current champion?

It is a very intense team. It seems that he lets you dominate the game, but take advantage of your little mistake with the people above, like Luis Suárez, to score a goal. Luis is a top striker who has been at the top for more than 10 years. Then they have Llorente, Correa … Cholo's work is being spectacular.

Tell me about Llorente. You know him from Madrid …

I was not surprised. It has always been an animal. I've watched him train for a long time and he's one of the most professional guys I know. He is a very complete player. Now he surprises because of his hitting or definition, but in training he already defined it as a pure 'nine'. It did not surprise me, although Cholo's decision to put it higher was somewhat risky.

He says he is one of the most professional he knows …

He comes from a family where his father already had those post-workout habits. In his day he was the weirdo. Marcos has been hardened with that and has continued with that discipline that has served him well.

Who would you get out of the way this afternoon?

Atlético has a great team, but Luis Suárez knows a lot about this. Define, attack, defend … Still, it is motivating to play against the best.

And Oblak?

It is one of the best in the world. There are very good goalkeepers, but he has shown why he is at the top. It is very regular. It is very difficult to see him make a mistake and it is very common for him to take impossible balls. It is top for its regularity and conditions.

Do you see scoring options?

The game is now 0-0. It has been seen in recent years that the capacity for surprise is greater and we are going with the intention of making a serious match.

Is it special to face Atlético for a former Madrid player?

It is always special, but that is already in the past. Now I am focused on Elche. However, I can say that I played the first derby in the Metropolitan and I will always remember that.

Were you surprised by the ownership? How is your relationship with Edgar?

I was not surprised, but I did have those typical nerves that all players have before knowing if we are going to play or not. My relationship with Edgar is spectacular, on and off the field. I have a feeling with him since we met at Espanyol. In the end, it hurts because he does not play, but it is healthy competition and that will make us better. Edgar comes from having a great season and I am very happy that he has reached the elite. He has suffered a lot, he has had to work hard and has had to prove many things. I insist, I am glad that it has arrived.

He hasn't been out of the league for long …

It is true, but it has been long. The experience in England has nurtured me and I can say that I have played in the Premier. But when you are abroad, especially after the pandemic, you miss your country.

It arrived on loan, without any purchase option. Do you see more time in Elche?

Leeds and Víctor Orta were very good to me because they knew my idea was to go out. They have given me many facilities and I am very grateful to them. The easiest thing for this year was a loan, but I told all parties that there would be no problem to continue longer if everything went well. I am open to everything, but the first thing is to do it well this year.

Do you think of more than salvation?

You have to be realistic and know where we are and where we come from. The first and fundamental objective is permanence. Hopefully Elche does not suffer as much as last year. If you remove six or seven teams, the rest of us will all be very even. You have to save the category and then try to get as high as possible.