PORTUGAL
"I don't think I can play until I'm 47": Casillas ponders coaching career
Iker Casillas has discussed his desire to enter coaching and says he wants to pass on his experience to "all players" and not just goalkeepers.
With the end of his playing career approaching, Iker Casillas is thinking about his future and has spoken of his desire to enter coaching in an interview with Portuguese weekly Expresso.
When asked if he would like to be a goalkeeping coach, the Porto number one responded: “No, if you want to be a coach, then you should not only train goalkeepers, you have to pass on your knowledge to all players. In my case, I was lucky to have experienced a lot and it would be good to pass on [my experience] to all players.”
Reflecting on his short-term future, the ex-Real Madrid legend told Expresso: “You’re thinking about what can happen within the next few years. It’s the nature of life. I don't have 10 years of football left; I don't think I can play until I'm 47. When I was 17, I thought I was going to play until I was 27, and then until I was 32. I’m closer to retirement than playing on, so I have to enjoy the time while I’m still here.”
On coach Sergio Conceiçã
Casillas also praised his Porto coach Sergio Conceiçã. "He is very demanding, he wants his players to give their best, to give 100 percent… or more… 120 percent," he said.
The ex-Spain international also highlighted the coach’s obsession with footballer’s weight and diet. "He is a strict disciplinarian, when it comes to weight and strength,” he explained.
“At 37, it has benefited me to have a coach that requires you to have a certain weight and diet, because I have to control my physique more.”
