Pepe: I Still Have A Lot To Prove

Pepe believes that he still has a lot to prove at Real Madrid, but is delighted with the start that the club has made to the season as they are clear at the top of the table.

The Brazilian-born defender has played in los Merengues last four matches after a long spell on the sidelines and is just pleased to be back in action again.

"I still have a lot to prove. I have to work hard to earn my spot on Real Madrid," he explained.

Madrid moved four points clear in first place at the weekend as they beat Racing and Barça drew at Espanyol, but Pepe is not celebrating just yet.

"We're having a great season because our peace of mind enables us to be the leader. It's a lot easier to concentrate and work well when things are calm," he continued.

"But it will be good as soon as we have more matches under our belt. We have to win our matches at home and away if Barcelona or any other teams slip up. That's what we're doing, and that's why we're first."

Pepe then reflected on Madrid's failure to win in their last four away games and believes that it should not become a matter for concern.

"We drew in Murcia because many players had returned from international duty and many of us had played a lot of matches," he said. "In Bremen we only needed a point to qualify, but it wasn't possible and we had to leave it for the last match."

"All that matters is that the team is in top form and that the players feel great and happy to be the leader."

Other teams results are not of interest to the Portugal international and he believes that Madrid should just focus on their own displays.

"We always have think about working hard and winning when we take the pitch. It's easier to take the three points when we do," he added.

"We have to put everything into practice in order to win and to have a good season. Independent of what our rivals do, we have to think about obtaining our points."