Tuesday, May 28, 2013

"We're not going to sell you"

It has been a difficult season for Pepe. The defender was punished by José Mourinho after the former's comments in support of Iker Casillas, which was for the Portuguese manager an act of betrayal. Pepe has not played in Real Madrid's last five games – including the Copa del Rey final – casting the centre-back's future into doubt.
Pepe has been told by the club's directors that they are counting on him for the coming season and he will not be sold. "We're not going to sell you. You are a unique centre-back", the defender was told.
Pepe has been strongly supported by his teammates. He recently had dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo, where the pair both assessed their future at the club. It seems both want to stay, as they feel at home and know they have the chance to win the most sought after titles. Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos have also helped the Portuguese player through a difficult time. Their words of support have encouraged him to deal with the punishment handed out to him by Mourinho. It was a time for unity within the squad, and Pepe very much appreciated it.
Mourinho dealt well with the questions thrown at him on the issue at his last press conference. The Portuguese boss said that Pepe's exclusion was down to Raphael Varane: "It's a matter of frustration". The coach's comments suggested that the club would look to sell the central defender. The departure of Ricardo Carvalho reinforces the idea of Real keeping hold of Pepe. Varane has progressed well and is a player for the future, but he still has a long way to go and will not play in every game. It seems there is a place for Pepe, after all.

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