Statements:
 
(Topical match). “The fact that Real Madrid are coming is really topical. It’s a team with some great stars. It’s a team that really plays a lot and so it’s normal that the press dedicate a lot of column inches to them.  For us though, we’ve got to treat it as like any other week.”
 
(Levante defeat). “It was a step backwards that no-one wanted.  It was an unusual game. They took advantage of every mistake me made. Then there was Willy’s expulsion – a decisive and doubtful move. I’ve seen various bits of footage but I’ve still not seen one where you can clearly see it.  From that moment on it all became very difficult. However, in the second half we showed our pride and controlled the match.”
 
(The goalkeeper). “We had no doubts about Rubén, he’s a great goalie and he’s here because he deserves to be and he’s not played for a while.  It was a very unfortunate move (about Willy).”
 
(Forthcoming match). “We have to be strong.  At home we win them all and we’ve got to continue like this.  We mustn’t fear an opponent, otherwise we’ll make mistakes.  We can’t think of Real Madrid as individuals, rather as a team.”
 
(Higuaín). “As a defender I like to play against a great forward.  Higuaín is a player who I know through football and personally.”