Real Madrid defender Pepe has revealed that he was ‘not needed’ by Rafa Benitez at the start of the season. After Benitez was appointed last summer following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti, the Spanish boss had told the defender that he was going to be a third choice player.
Pepe has been a crucial player for Los Blancos and has started regularly since the start of March. the Portuguese centre-back has not been on the losing side just once against Wolfsburg in that run of games and has benched the younger Raphael Varane in the process.
He was also instrumental in Real Madrid keeping a clean sheet twice against Manchester City in the semi-finals as Real Madrid sealed a spot in the final for the second time in three years – against arch rivals Atletico Madrid yet again.
Speaking to Spanish radio Cadena Cope, Pepe said: “It is a matter of hard work. At the beginning of the year [Rafa] Benitez told me he did not need me, that I was third choice.
“But I worked hard and today I have been here nine years and people know what you can expect from me.”
Pepe joined Real Madrid in 2007 from Porto and has won nine trophies in all with the club. He has also played more than 300 times for the capital club.
“It's normal,” Pepe continued. “You have Sergio [Ramos] and Raphael [Varane], who are younger than me. But if you work and you give something in every workout, you will have the opportunity.”
Pepe heaps praise on Zidane
The 33-year-old defender credits manager Zinedine Zidane with the club’s progress. The club legend had taken over after Benitez was sacked in the first week of January. Zidane has also made it a habit of starting Pepe in the big games as the club look to also secure the La Liga title where they trail Barcelona by a single point.
“When Zidane came in people had doubts,” Pepe said. “But he has led us to a Champions League final.
“I hope he continues because in time I think he will be one of the best coaches.
“Zidane for me is a very good coach. He is young. I could be wrong but I think he is the first coach who can win the Champions League in his first [season].”
