It has been a difficult season for Pepe. The defender was punished by
José Mourinho after the former's comments in support of Iker Casillas,
which was for the Portuguese manager an act of betrayal. Pepe has not
played in Real Madrid's last five games – including the Copa del Rey
final – casting the centre-back's future into doubt.
Pepe has been told by the club's directors that they are counting on
him for the coming season and he will not be sold. "We're not going to
sell you. You are a unique centre-back", the defender was told.
Pepe has been strongly supported by his teammates. He recently had
dinner with Cristiano Ronaldo, where the pair both assessed their future
at the club. It seems both want to stay, as they feel at home and know
they have the chance to win the most sought after titles. Iker Casillas
and Sergio Ramos have also helped the Portuguese player through a
difficult time. Their words of support have encouraged him to deal with
the punishment handed out to him by Mourinho. It was a time for unity
within the squad, and Pepe very much appreciated it.
Mourinho dealt well with the questions thrown at him on the issue at
his last press conference. The Portuguese boss said that Pepe's
exclusion was down to Raphael Varane: "It's a matter of frustration".
The coach's comments suggested that the club would look to sell the
central defender. The departure of Ricardo Carvalho reinforces the idea
of Real keeping hold of Pepe. Varane has progressed well and is a player
for the future, but he still has a long way to go and will not play in
every game. It seems there is a place for Pepe, after all.