How does your knee feel?
It was just a knock and nothing to worry about.

How can you explain the fact that Real Madrid is top without having played well?
A lot is demanded of this Real Madrid through this project. We know we aren’t playing our best football and we accept all the criticism, but we are improving and working hard to ensure that we play well from start to finish.

How would you like to see Barcelona perform against Inter? What suits Real Madrid?
I am honestly not that worried about what Barcelona do. I care more about how we perform against Zurich. We had a tough match against Racing after a stoppage for international matches and little time to recover and train. I am mostly concerned about the Zurich match.

Is this the best time for the Clasico to be played?
I think it comes at a time when we are confident because of our recent improvement since that terrible week we had. We demand more of ourselves and we believe we are on the right track, so it is a good week to play the match.

Is the Zurich match a major hurdle heading into the Clasico?
You get used to playing every three days. We will have three days to prepare for Barcelona after the Zurich game, which we think is enough.

Will you play as left back in the Camp Nou, where you will be in charge of slowing Messi down?
I don't know if I will play, or if I will even play in that position. I think Messi will be available. It doesn't matter whether I play as left back or in another position because Barcelona have top class players. I have no doubts that Messi will play.
 

You were eliminated from the Copa and the team's scoring average is lower without Cristiano. Is there too much dependence on him?
He is a player who makes a difference. The team is top in the table and other players have stepped up. Having him is a sure bet for success, but we have proven that we can improve without him.

If Messi doens't play in the Clasico, would you mind if Cristiano Ronaldo didn't eiher?
They are important players. Barcelona have won without Messi and we have won without Cristiano. I would like Cristiano Ronaldo to play against Barcelona. It may be hard for him to play the entire match, but I am not worried about Messi. I just want Cristiano to be there.

Is he anxious to return?
He is very anxious. He feels good and I imagine he is looking forward to returning.

You already know what stopping Messi is all about because you played against him while with Liverpool.
I played well in that tie, but it's more about the team's effort. I don't think there is a player capable of stopping Messi. A lot of factors must come into play so that he doesn't finish like he is capable of doing.

Little is being said about Zurich and a lot about Barcelona.
All this week's press is about Barcelona, but the Zurich match is important. We know we have a great chance of qualifying if we win at home. We are very focused and anxious to play. It will also be good preparation for the Barcelona match. It's more about what the press is saying. We have our eyes set on Zurich.

Would you rather clinch a berth in the next round on Wednesday or finish top in the group?
Finishing top is important. Playing the second leg on the road isn't the same as playing at home. I hope we win and that Olympique win or draw.