Mourinho: Pepe has a problem

The under-fire coach has hit back at the Portugal international following the latter's recent comments and has explained his decision to field Diego Lopez ahead of Iker Casillas.

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at Pepe in the wake of the defender's comments on theReal Madrid coach's treatment of Iker Casillas.

The center back claimed his coach should show Casillas more respect after los Blancos hard-fought 4-3 win over Valladolid at the weekend, but Mourinho has issued a riposte by suggesting that Pepe is simply trying to distract attention from is own struggle to secure first-team football.

"Pepe's comments? It is very easy to analyze what he says. Pepe has a problem and his name is Raphael Varane," the Madrid coach stated at a press conference.

"A 31-year-old has lost his place to a 19-year-old. It’s the law of life. But who had the courage to field Varane? I did."

Mourinho then went on to explain his decision to drop Casillas in favor of Diego Lopez, stressing that it has nothing to do with any personal animosity between the pair.

"I like Diego Lopez more than Iker Casillas as a goalkeeper. This is not a personal decision, there is nothing bad between Iker and me," he continued.

"I like shot-stoppers who play well with their feet and who come off their line to collect crosses. Iker makes great saves between the posts, but I prefer a different type of goalkeeper."

Madrid is currently preparing for Wednesday's Liga match at home against Malaga.