We are doing well, says Real's Pepe

New Delhi: Despite only just overcoming Malaga at the weekend, Real Madrid defender Pepe has said that he thinks the team is doing well and that they will be challenging for the Copa Del Rey this year.

Rarely is Pepe anything but optimistic and on Monday he wasn't about to change his tune as he spoke to Marca about the form of the side and the upcoming Copa Del Rey match with Real Union.

The Portuguese international says that they want to win the Spanish domestic cup this year and that they are doing well at the moment, despite the fact they are leaking goals at the back.

"We have to have desires, we cannot lose in the Bernabeu [against Union] because we all want to be there at the end," he mused.

"We have let in a lot of goals compared to last year but I believe that we are doing well. What is important is that the team is in the upper positions."

"Barca are better because they are first but we are also there, there are a lot of games to go and it is hasty to say Barcelona or Villarreal are best. We have to be focused and to approach each game with seriousness."

Los Blancos should have no trouble overturning their 3-2 defeat to Real Union in the Copa Del Rey this week with or without the injured Pepe who said on a personal note that he is 'continuing with his recovery and will train in the afternoon to see if he is better.'

Nevertheless, he affirmed that even without him there should be no problems are there are suitable players to cover in his position.

"There are players with quality who any team miss but the substitutes have it too and they can overcome any loss. Real Madrid have a good squad and I do not see any problems. It is an important title, a nice competition and we want to be in at the end," he declard.

One man who Real Madrid will be hoping continues his rich vein of form is Gonzalo Higuain, whom Pepe had nothing but praise for as he spoke today.

"I have always spoken about his quality," he said.

"Last year he didn't show it, perhaps because Raul and Ruud [Van Nistelrooy] were doing well, but this season he is getting more opportunities and showing that he deserves them. We expect that to continue."

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