Defensive rock Pepe back to boost Real

After completing his hefty ten-match suspension for violent conduct Real Madrid defender Pepe made his first league appearance in five months on Saturday helping Real keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 home win over Tenerife.

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini had no qualms about thrusting Pepe back into the starting line-up despite his lack of match fitness after so long watching on from the outside.

Portuguese centre-back Pepe lost his cool in the derby match with Getafe back in April as he stamped on Francisco Casquero and then palmed Juan Albin in the face before insulting the referee for good measure.

Pepe, a 30 million euro signing from FC Porto, was hit with a 10-match ban and paid tribute to everyone who stuck by him during a difficult time.

“I had some bad days, but my family and friends supported me,” said Pepe. “I am also really grateful for the club for supporting me throughout.

“The hardest thing has been not being able to play while watching my teammates work.

“I want to put it all behind me now. I have served my suspension and will give everything for the club as I always have done.”

Pepe admitted that referees may be watching his conduct more carefully after his high-profile suspension, adding: “Referees will have me under the microscope a bit more.”

Pepe, who did play for Real against FC Zurich in Europe, was first choice last season but admits the arrivals of Spanish international Raul Albiol and Argentine Ezequiel Garay have cranked up the competition.

“They are young centre defenders with a brilliant future at Real Madrid,” said Pepe. “Albiol plays for Spain?s national team and has proven to be very reliable, as well as Garay, who has turned in some great performances in the Spanish league.”

Real’s defence was questioned last season and has been exposed at times this season but Pepe says the club’s all-out attacking approach will inevitably leave some gaps at the back.

“The (Santiago) Bernabeu crowd is very demanding and wants us to score three or four goals in each game, so it?s normal for the defensive line to grow thin,” he explained.

“(Manuel) Pellegrini would like us to defend with as few players possible so that others can focus solely on scoring goals.

“I hope to score goals too but my main task is to defend and there?s no need for me to move up front expect in certain occasions.”

As it stands Real and Barca have a maximum 15 points from five games but Pepe insists it is too early to start talking about a two-horse title race.

“It is too early to talk about Barcelona and Real vying for the title,” said the former Porto man. “Sevilla have a good team as do Valencia, Atletico (Madrid) and Villarreal.”