Real Madrid defender Pepe insists the Roma tie “is not over yet” and will require “humilty and team spirit”.

The Giallorossi face the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie tomorrow, but are heading to Spain with a 2-0 deficit from the first game.

“I didn't play in the first leg,” Pepe noted in the pre-match Press conference.

Real Madrid defender Pepe insists the Roma tie “is not over yet” and will require “humilty and team spirit”.

The Giallorossi face the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie tomorrow, but are heading to Spain with a 2-0 deficit from the first game.

“I didn't play in the first leg,” Pepe noted in the pre-match Press conference.



“Roma have great players, they’re good in Europe and one of the best in Italy. They have fast players on the wings, and that is the kind of thing which could cause us problems.

“We have to think about playing our game, because it’s not over yet. We have to face it with humility and team spirit, that’s the way we’ll win tomorrow.”

Pepe was also asked about the impact of Coach Zinedine Zidane, who replaced Rafa Benitez after the group stages.

“He’s worked a lot on team spirit, he’s careful not to waste time on things which aren’t related to football.

“He was a player, he knows what it takes to work well. He’s done well to unite the group, he was a legendary footballer for our club.

“He’ll become one of the best Coaches in the world, I have no doubt about that.

“He wants to win, but that doesn’t mean he has a bad temper. We respect him so much, he was chosen by the President [Florentino Perez].

“We respect the Coach, do we do everything he asks of us.

“It’s a privilege for us to wear this shirt. Tomorrow will be hard despite the advantage.

“What do I mean by ‘things which aren’t related to football’? For example, [Cristiano] Ronaldo is the top-scorer in La Liga but has been whistled because apparently he’s not doing well.

“I wish I was like him, to not be doing well and still score so much. The fans should stick behind us. As I’ve already said, we’re stronger together.”

Bygaby

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