The manager has no doubts about his team's commitment: "We are going into this decisive stage in better physical condition than we were in at this point last year."
About Danilo, Real Madrid's new signing, he remarked, "Danilo is one of Europe's best defenders. The added competition will help Carvajal and Arbeloa."
Is the league possible?:"We are convinced that it's by no means decided yet, but we have no margin for error; we have to win all games possible. The team is revved-up, fresh and raring to go. If we compare them to last year, we are going into this moment in better shape. Only Pepe has a slight problem, which will be sorted very soon. We have a lot of games in April; it's normal to think that we need the whole squad. I'll try to rotate the team; all the players will be used. We are not making calculations based on the points that Barcelona might drop. Our objective is to win the next ten games - we've done it before, it's not a utopia. I think we can do so again; I believe in this team, in this squad. I see a fully charged group ready to give their all in all the games."
Bale:"In the last game that he played at home, he scored twice; against Barcelona he played well. For Wales he also played well. The break has served to give him and others more confidence. The break has helped us."
Strategy:"Against Barcelona, our midfielders tracked back to defend well; the team was more compact."
Chicharito:"I understand him because over the past few months there have been players that have not played all that much. The situation now, which I have explained to the players, is that I will need the whole squad. With these games to come, everyone is going to be used more."
Pepe:"I think he'll be okay in a week's time."
James:"He's fine. I'm going to start him and rest Khedira and Carvajal. Isco is sanctioned and the rest are available."
The Granada game:"From now on, all the matches are of utmost importance for all of us. We are focused on this Sunday's game. They have improved a lot in their recent games, they're dangerous. We are preparing for them as we always do, in the knowledge that we cannot fail."
Are they all in with a chance of playing in the Champions League?: "The match against Atlético is still far away. We have to concentrate on this weekend. Playing well and winning this week will help us to have added confidence for the game against Atlético."
