You've been benched in two games. Do you think you'll play in the derby?
I don't know. The coach will decide tomorrow. The team responded well in the last two games, but one must always be ready and be in optimum form in order to make good use of any chances he may get.

Do you understand being benched?
There is nothing for me to understand. I am just another player on this squad. I have to work. I can't complain about the season I've had so far. I believe the team as a whole is what really matters and we have improved of late. We must focus on our games against Atletico and Alcorcon.

Is this an uneven derby?
It is always complicated to play at the Calderon. Atletico have improved with their new coach. They deserved to win against Chelsea and they are more confident now despite their Champions League elimination.

What do you think of Guti's situation?
Guti is a very important player. He is training and recovering.

What do you think of the possible club strike?
I think we should all play according to the same set of rules. We'll see what happens.

Would it be a disappointment for you to miss the derby?
It's a matter of circumstances. One must always be ready. All my team-mates are doing a great job and I wish to play, but it's up to the coach to decide.

What message do you have for Cristiano?
He has to remain calm and be patient. He is a very important player who needs to be completely recovered. We hope he returns to us as soon as possible.

Has the team already forgotten about the match in Alcorcon?
We haven't forgotten about it because the knockout stage isn't over yet. We'll start to think about our next game against them on Sunday.
 

Is it good for there to be a standard lineup?
You should ask the coach that. It is very hard to use the same lineup in such a long season, but there are times in which the same players may be used. There's enough time to try out different options in ten months.

Atletico haven't defeated you in ten years and may be affected psychologically by this...
I don't think they are. A match against Atletico is always complicated, especially at the Calderon. We know it is a great match.

Is there a player in particular you feel you are incompatible with?
No. There isn't anyone in the entire world.

Do you think a change in the Beckham Law may affect the arrival of foreign players to La Liga?
I don't think so. They'll keep coming.

What do you think of Bbarcelona's latest games?
We just focus on ourselves and that is enough. We have to win as many games as possible and focus on each clash at a time in order to achieve our goals.

What do you think of the coach's team get-togethers?
They depend on each coach and we have to accept them as they are. I have no problem with them whatsoever.

Do you think this Real Madrid has a defined style of play?
The coach knows exactly what he wants, but this is a new project and it's hard for things to work out right at the start of it. We have to polish some aspects of our game, but we are doing a great job and I'm sure we'll soon improve.

Will rumours of a crisis on the team resurge if you lose against Atletico?
We don't even think about that. I only think about winning.