Former Real Madrid player Toni Grande was left perplexed by Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop Iker Casillas for his side’s defeat to Malaga.

Isco’s opener and two second-half strikes from Roque Santa Cruz sealed the victory for the hosts in their 3-2 victory at La Rosaleda.

The 65-year-old believes that the Spain goalkeeper – who was displaced for the tussle with the now fourth-placed Liga side by back-up Antonio Adan – will feel shocked to have been omitted.

“Like everyone else, I found the decision very surprising,” the Roja assistant coach to Vicente del Bosque told Canal+.

“I don’t know the reasons, so I cannot say much more. A player of his experience does not need any reminders; just have a good season, there’s nothing else one can say.”

Mourinho’s side now sit 16 points behind Barcelona in La Liga, and third in the race to retain their title.