Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho addressed the media in a press conference the day prior to facing Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

"I expect the match to be difficult, as they always are against Athletic. They have good players and they are a good and ambitious side currently in the top tier of the table and looking to climb further. I expect a complicated encounter."

"I can only promise we'll be leaders when the game starts and also when it ends. The only thing at stake for me personally in our recent Copa match was my own joy the following day. We'll play another game tomorrow. Those who dwell too much on moments of joy or sorrow in football eventually have problems. I don't have them. I continue to work when I have a good run and I never sulk when I have a bad one. I try to go unnoticed when things go well and I don't hide when they don't."

"I was fine this morning, but now I'm as sad as the rest of us becasue the father of one of us died and we saw him suffer. We're sad and affected by it. This person was with us when he received the news and I'm sad for that."

"Numbers speak for themselves. Since the start of 2012 we've conceded two set piece goals against Malaga, one against Mallorca and one to Barcelona. That's too many. Sometimes in order to avoid making the same mistake it's good not to dwell on it too much. We're aware of our mistakes and also of Athletic's set piece potential."

"I wish to congratulate Casillas for being about to play his 600th game with the team. I hope he plays many more."

"Pepe is on the squad list, but we have yet to see if he'll be fit enough to play or not. I have to call-up other players for his position. If he can't make it someone else will. They're all good."

"Pepe apologised and that's enough for me. I didn't see you questioning another player last season when he said he'd never made racists remarks. Everyone believed that player. I'd only be angry if Pepe publically said what he did was unintentional after admitting privately that it was. Those who think he's a liar should say so and assume the consequences. It's your right to call him a liar if you wish to, but you must assume the consequences. It would be an issue between you and the person you accuse of lying."