AS.com

Raúl Albiol has stood up for his Spain and Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas in a press conference just hours after the goalkeeper took to his official Facebook page to deny that he was a "snitch" and that he had a bad relationship with coach José Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I think Iker is doing fine, he's very relaxed at the moment. There are few footballers that have more experience than him, when you look at everything he has achieved in his career, and look at what he is still doing. He continues to show why he is the best goalkeeper in the world."

Abiol recognised that his team-mate has been the subject of criticism in recent weeks, but does not think it will affect him personally.

"He's in a relaxed mood and focused on his work. Being the best in the world is a very demanding job and whenever you concede goals you want to save every other shot."

"He has said he could have done more to stop the goals against Barcelona, but we all know how difficult they were to save. That's the high standards he imposes on himself. He's very ambitious and that's why he's the best goalkeeper in the world. At Real Madrid we've got our backs covered thanks to him and the same is true with Spain, along with Pepe Reina and Victor Valdés."

On the rivalry with Karim Benzema

"I'm sure Benzema will be up for beating us because we keep on giving him a hard time after the European Championships. We'll greet him at the game and then on Thursday whoever wins the game will get to laugh at the other. That's the type of friends we are."

On how France have changed since Euro 2012

"France have changed since then, their players are fitter, for example. But we should just be thinking about ourselves and how we play, especailly considering we are at home. I don't know if we will change our line-up from the last game [against Belarus]."

On the few appearances he's made with Real Madrid this season

"The season has barely started, although it's true I'd have liked to have played more games. But being called up to this squad is a vote of confidence. It's crucial for me to get more game time and I hope I can take advantage of this opportunity."