Real Madrid don't need Lionel Messi: Iker Casillas

Lionel Messi (L) is not who Real Madrid according to captain Iker Casillas (R)

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has said that the club don’t need Barcelona forward Lionel Messi at the Santiago Bernabeu as he feels that he has a very good squad at his disposal. Madrid acquired the services of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Germany midfielder Toni Kroos and Colombian forward James Rodiguez last year following the 2014 World Cup.

"No. With the squad we have right now we're doing very well and we are achieving great things," the Champions League winning captain said.

There have been rumors of a growing rift between the Argentinan and manager Luis Enrique and Premier League toppers Chelsea are willing to shell out a whopping €250 million if the 27-year-old does decide to leave the Nou Camp.

The club has been going through tumultuous times off the field as well with the sacking of President Andoni Zubizarreta, followed by the resignation of his assistant Carlos Puyol. They have also been banned from making any new signings till 2016. Barcelona President Joseph Bartomeu has announced that elections at the club will be held sooner than usual this time around.

Barcelona are doing all right: Casillas

However, Casillas believes that the Catalan giants aren't going through as tough a time as being reported and their position across all competitions is quite good.

"I do not think that Barca are in crisis. I don't think so. Honestly from what I have seen and how it is right now, people are speaking more about things other than them.

"In La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, I don't think they are in crisis. They are a few points behind in the league, they haven't been eliminated in the cup or the Champions League yet.

"They are alive in all three competitions and Real Madrid do not have a wide margin at the top of La Liga. It is tight," The 33-year-old Spaniard said.

Real Madrid will head into their La Liga fixture against Espanyol at home on Saturday, on the back of two successive losses against Valencia in the league and against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.