Real Madrid's Iker Casillas responds to Jose Mourinho: Holidays are a time to relax and 'not think about football'

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has hit back at Jose Mourinho for suggesting that many members of the team spent too much time relaxing over the winter break.

A sluggish performance from the Spanish giants saw them slip to a 2-0 deficit at half-time against Malaga in Tuesday's Copa del Rey last-16 first leg clash, but a triple substitution at the break triggered a 3-2 comeback win for Los Blancos.

In the wake of the game, Mourinho castigated his players for their poor first-half performance, but Casillas has now responded by saying his team-mates deserve a rest during the holidays.

"It's a time to relax, unwind, be with the family and not think about football," Casillas told Marca.

The 30-year-old went on to echo his desire for Real Madrid to succeed on all three fronts this season.

"We want to go far in all three competitions. I ask that my colleagues all have a good season," he added.

Real Madrid restart their league campaign with a home match against Granada this Saturday. Mourinho's men sit three points clear of their arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the table.