Real Madrid Defender Pepe: Jose Mourinho Is Honest And Down To Earth

Real Madrid centre-back Pepe has once again hailed coach Jose Mourinho and says that the Portuguese tactician demands hard work both on the pitch and during training sessions.

"I love playing for Mourinho. He is honest and sticks to his guns. He is very intelligent and he places the responsibility on us," Pepe said, according to Real Madrid's official website.

"He is very down to earth with us. He wants his players to work hard and to look out for one another. He speaks his mind. Sometimes people don't like to hear the truth, but he says whatever is best for us and the club."

Madrid's emphatic 6-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna at the weekend coupled with Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Real Mallorca has put los Blancos a place above their arch-rivals in the table and Pepe couldn't be happier.

"We are sitting on six points in the Champions League and have yet to concede a goal," said the centre-back. "We are also performing well in La Liga and are in the hunt for the top spot. We are in good shape and we have a good feeling about this year."

"We always work with the goal of improving. That is our only concern. Any one of us can be a starter, but I have always trained as hard as I can. If we aren't in top form in training, there is always a team-mate that is at the same level or in better shape who can replace us without a problem. That pressure ensures that we all put forth our best effort."

"We are only concerned about our form and the work we do. In order to defend well we must also attack well, and vice versa. We all know our role on the pitch. Mourinho always reminds us what our duties are, not only on defence but on the whole pitch as well. Ricardo Carvalho is doing a great job and is very happy. He has a lot of experience."

Pepe also had encouraging words for his compatriot and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Cristiano works extremely hard. Forwards are focused on scoring, and fortunately the goals have come. He and Pipa [Gonzalo Higuain] are pressuring a lot in attack. I am thankful that they have started scoring and I am sure they will continue."

Pepe concluded by thanking the Madrid faithful for their support.

"I am grateful for all the fans' support and I am very happy here. I have made a full recovery. I love playing here. I only want to do things well and not disappoint."

"I am the same person as always. I do not like to lose, which is why I try my hardest when I play. I fight for every ball as if it was the last. If the fans are happy with me it is due to how I perform on the pitch."

"We are capable of beating anyone. We are Madrid and we will prove it. I am sure of it. Our fans are very demanding, but we know we are doing well and we like it when they leave the stadium with smiles on their faces. It's always nice when they support us."