Nottingham Forest star Keylor Navas has been defended by Ronald Gonzalez following a bizarre outburst from Luis Fernando Suarez. The Costa Rica boss launched a scathing attack on the Reds standout during his last interview.
Navas hasn’t gone on international duty this time. Three other goalkeepers will get the chance to deputise for him during games against Martinique and Panama.
The 36-year-old is performing well at Forest since he joined on loan from PSG. He’s been a brilliant addition to the squad and his form has belied his experience and stature in the game.
He’s chosen not to link up with the Costa Rica squad this time, however. That decision saw him risk the wrath of Suarez but Gonzalez has jumped to the defence of the player that he’s managed before.
He told AM Presnsa: “Keylor is the goalkeeper of the national team. He only appears in the best moments and the sporting situations that he has always handled must be understood and discussed with him.
“Everything has to do a lot with the mentality and the model of the coach, which is what he wants to do.
“Keylor is only called upon for important moments, he is at a higher level than all of us, especially in big events. That’s where it really counts the most and he knows very well what his reality is.
“He’s an experienced player and he has nothing to prove.”
Navas defended by Gonzalez
After losing in the group stages at the World Cup, perhaps Suarez is feeling the pressure a little bit. His bizarre rant towards Navas seems extremely over the top and somewhat untoward.
Navas is a legend of the game. He’s won more Champions League titles than Forest have and has won league titles in two different countries, enjoying a colourful career.
Costa Rica will undoubtedly call upon Navas again in the future. He remains the number one custodian and during the next major tournament, he will likely take his place between the posts.
In the short term, he wants to place his full focus on Forest. Their survival push clearly means more to him right now and that is a decision that should delight the Forest fan base.