Ian Harte praises ‘very talented’ Leeds star, makes behind-the-scenes claim on Casilla
Ian Harte has suggested that Kiko Casilla could play for Leeds United again once his ongoing racism ban has concluded.
The Whites legend did admit that he expects the club to heavily fined and disciplined behind-closed-doors after being found guilty of racially abusing Charlton’s Jonathan Leko.
Harte has been impressed with Illan Meslier, with the French youngster having kept consecutive clean-sheets in his first two Championship starts.
Harte did admit that even with Meslier’s form though, Casilla could well step back inbetween the sticks instantly at Elland Road.
“I don’t see why he won’t play for the club again,” he told Football League World.
“The young goalkeeper who’s in at the moment is a very, very talented keeper and it’s a difficult situation for the club. I’m sure Leeds will be dealing with it themselves behind-closed-doors to decide how to take it forward.
“He’ll be disciplined, he’ll probably be heavily fined as well. It’s not good but all that we can do is focus on the positives and that’s that Leeds are doing well.”
It will be a hard decision for Marcelo Bielsa to make once football finally returns after the Coronavirus break. Casilla still has six games left on his ban, but there are three more games after that.
Comparing Casilla to Meslier via WhoScored, it’s the Spaniard who comes out on top in terms of passing stats. The 33-year-old averages more passes per game with a better success rate.
Distribution is key to work under Bielsa, and although Meslier has impressed, the experience of Casilla could drag him through if he remains at the club past this season.
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