Real Madrid defender Pepe has criticised Jose Mourinho's treatment of goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas.

The Portuguese recently said that he should have signed Diego Lopez earlier this season than in January.

"We have to have a bit more respect for Iker," he told Canal+. "The boss's quotes were not the most suitable.

"Iker is an institution - at this club and in Spain. He has to know that we [the players] and the fans are behind him."

Lopez has established himself as Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival from Sevilla in January.