Pepe says Real Madrid are chomping at the bit to ensure success in the Club World Cup this week.
Los Blancos are aiming to bring the trophy back from Morocco to round off a successful year and the Brazilian defender told what it means to the players.
“Our squad is full of quality and we are all working hard for this,” Pepe told gathered media.
“The players involved are all performing well but we have to approach every game with the same humility.
“We are chomping at the bit because this is the first time a lot of our players have been to the Club World Cup.
“It’s an important trophy and we are aware you must always respect your opponents.”
The venue for Madrid’s semi-final against Mexican outfit Cruz Azul has been changed from Rabat to Marrakech due to a waterlogged pitch, although Pepe is not worried about the conditions.
“What’s most important is for people to enjoy the game. We know the venue has been changed and ideally the pitch will be in the best possible condition to play football.
“Cruz Azul are a talented and hard-working team with some of their players having had experience of La Liga, so we’ll have to prepare in the right way if we want to win.
“Whoever wins is the best club side in the world and I’m hoping to capture the title to bring some joy to the fans and round the year off in style.”
The experienced 31-year-old admits Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be hot favourites to carry off the trophy.
“I think because of our history we are probably favourites and we must acknowledge that, so we need to be completely professional.
“I think we are having a fantastic year and we have the ambition and attitude to reach the final and be worthy winners,” he concluded.
