|
|
Pinto doubts Casillas' chances to win Ballon d'Or
Jul 20, 2012 5:30:00 PM
The 36-year-old shot-stopper is backing three of his Barcelona team-mates to win the award, while saying he hopes to claim a regular first-team place under new coach Tito Vilanova
| Bet: | Returns: | Barcelona £12.86 | Draw £65.00 | Valladolid £105.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Barcelona £13.00 | Draw £50.00 | Valladolid £100.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Barcelona £12.86 | Draw £60.00 | Valladolid £90.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Barcelona £12.90 | Draw £55.00 | Valladolid £100.00 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Barcelona £12.80 | Draw £55.00 | Valladolid £100.00 |
|
The Spain international has been tipped to pick up the prestigious accolade after helping La Roja to win Euro 2012, conceding only once throughout the tournament, while he kept goal for his club side en route to the Liga title.
Pinto is happy that a fellow shot-stopper is in contention for such an award, but aired his belief that three of his Barca team-mates are in a better position to win the honour.
"Casillas has a chance, and it is nice that people consider him for that award," Pinto told reporters at a press conference.
"I am a goalkeeper and Iker had an amazing season, but there are other players who made more of a difference, like Lionel Messi, who scored almost 80 goals, and Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
"The award should go to the player who makes the most difference."
The 36-year-old was then asked if he expected to play a bigger role in the squad under new coach Tito Vilanova after playing mostly in the Copa del Rey under Pep Guardiola.
"That is not something that I should discuss with Tito, he is the one who will make the best decision for the team," Pinto noted.
"If he sees me in shape and thinks that selecting me is the best thing, then that is fine. I will work and he will be the one to make that decision.
"I am ambitious and I will try to claim Victor Valdes' place."
Questioned about Barca's interest in Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Pinto said: "Our technical staff knows what is necessary. If he comes he will be welcomed and he will help us.
"But I think that there are very good players in the youth team who can also do a job."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Make Your Prediction
FC Barcelona - Valladolid
FC Barcelona
Valladolid
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
FC Barcelona 4-0 Valladolid
- 14.41 %
-
FC Barcelona 3-0 Valladolid
- 12.73 %
-
FC Barcelona 3-1 Valladolid
- 10.41 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Madrid see red after Copa carnage
Cristiano Ronaldo was dismissed as los Blancos lost their heads during a dramatic 2-1 final defeat by their city rivals in an epic final at the Santiago Bernabeu
-
Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-2 Atletico Madrid (aet)
Goal was on hand to cast a critical eye over the dramatic events at Santiago Bernabeu
-
Falcao throwing his career away by signing for Monaco
The Colombian is quite rightly regarded as one of the most lethal finishers in world football but he now seems set to take a step down in level solely for financial gain
-
Cartoon: Mourinho & Ronaldo sent packing
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day
-
David Beckham's 10 most memorable moments
As the former England captain announces his intention to retire at the end of the season, Goal looks back on his finest feats - both on and off the football field.
