With Illan Meslier ill, Kiko Casilla got his first-ever start in the Premier League for Leeds United against Brighton last Saturday.
He didn’t keep a clean sheet but he put in a pretty decent performance – certainly, one that was better than most fans were expecting.
However, Athletic journalist Phil Hay wrote afterwards that too much has happened with Casilla for him to have a way back at the club.
That’s certainly the opinion of many Leeds fans, with the anti-Casilla sentiment divided into two groups – those that think the club should have acted decisively after his ban for racist abuse last season, and those who are judging him solely on his ability.
There are some who sit somewhere in the middle of the Casilla Venn diagram, acknowledging that he’s put in some good performances for Leeds, while also agreeing with Hay that Casilla’s time at Leeds is all just part of a slow end for the Spanish keeper.
However, at the moment, Casilla is the only senior back-up if anything happens to Meslier – and he’s got the support of Marcelo Bielsa.
With Meslier ill, and speculation being that he tested positive for COVID, Casilla stepped in against Brighton, but that could be his last involvement for now.
Leeds’ game this week against Southampton was postponed and the next game is against Newcastle a week on Tuesday.
That could see Meslier back and that’s what these fans are hoping.
However, Leeds are an injury away from a bit of a mini-crisis, with Casilla taking the gloves with a huge spotlight shining on him and most fans against him.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans to Hay’s comments on Casilla…
It's his lack of passion and really simple mistakes like at Crawley I feel for him because he's had some outstanding games for us and really was key in the type of players we needed but Meslier has shown he's above him ability wise from kicking to saving and playing out at the bk
— James (@jimmy_L_UFC) January 18, 2021
Sell him ffs
— Jack (@jacklufc92) January 18, 2021
He had very little to do and he did his little bit very well for a change. Certainly nothing to undo the calamitous cockups on previous occasions. He should leave for his own sanity and ours. He will never be trusted by the fans.
— Lee Boldison (@lee_boldison) January 18, 2021
He cost us our first promotion attempt.
Never liked him as a keeper from day one.
Meslier is far better.— Ianto huws (@welshwiz1) January 19, 2021
The losers are the owners for not having the guts to sack him. The club should stand up against all that. Show they take zero tolerance to racism. It may have upset the manager but some things are bigger than football. Seem to swept under the carpet all that.
— peter-maurice (@petermauriceuk) January 18, 2021
Getting a lengthy game ban, in what could arguably be Leeds' most important season in recent years. Is not going to earn you much respect! He let the club down!
— Joe Harland (@JoeHarland1) January 18, 2021
He’s always been relatively good commanding his area, it’s his shot stopping that is appalling. Apart from one straight at him, he didn’t have a shot to save.
— Tiddy (@PureLeeds) January 18, 2021
Phil let’s be honest , MB won’t throw him under the bus in the public domain but however MB has to realise that keeping Kiko Casilla won’t benefit the club nor the player in anyway tbh. MB should just tell him and his agent should be looking for a new club asap, best all around.
— langdog (@langelmessi) January 18, 2021
I don’t want him gone because of the racist issue. I want him gone because he’s not very good. I want more quality bringing into the club to compete for places including the goalie
— Mip (@mipsical) January 18, 2021
The defence refusing to use him as an out ball was very apparent, instead they chose to opt for riskier passes, it’s clear there’s a lack of confidence in him from the defence which creates problems all round
— Rich (@Ad1das5) January 18, 2021
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