Valdes expressed surprise by Casillas omission over Real Betis on Sunday

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Valdes expressed surprise by Casillas omission over Real Betis on Sunday
Real Madrid goalkeeper kept on the bench again despite new management, to the surprise of Barcelona counterpart.

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has expressed surprise that Spanish international teammate Iker Casillas was not selected by new manager Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

In a repeat of the final months of Jose Mourinho's reign at Madrid, Ancelotti dropped club captain Casillas to the bench and played Diego Lopez.

However, Valdes, who was away on international duty with Casillas for the Confederations Cup in June and last week's friendly against Ecuador, believes Casillas is still the best 'keeper in the country.

Surprise omission

"I was surprised that he didn't start yesterday. In training with Spain he looked good to me and in the Confederations also," he told a press conference on Monday.

"I don't tire of saying that he has made saves that I didn't think were possible. For me he is the best.

"I am not the one to have an opinion because it is not my club and I am not in that dressing room.

"I would like to see him there though because it has always been a personal challenge for me to face him for a number of years."