Another interview before the derby, this time between Gonzalo Higuaín and ABC.  Special thanks to LaBlanca for telling me about it, since I never read ABC!

I love Pipa’s attitude towards the team.  And soon I’ll have enough information to write a book on what Madrid’s players think about José Mourinho, since everyone asks that!

Q:  Today should bring back good memories for you.  Your first goal with Real Madrid came against their eternal rival, Atlético.

A:  Yes, it was in the Calderón, in a game that we were losing and tied with my goal.  It was a great way to debut as a goalscorer.  Lately, I’ve been doing well against Atlético.  Let’s see if the streak continues…

Q:  There’s a lot of talk about how Real Madrid still has not faced the great teams in the Liga.  Is this game against Atlético the first time that we’ll be able to gauge the potential of this team?

A:  All games are difficult.  I think the first point to measure where we are were the two games against Milan, which we played at a very good level.  The derby is a special game, but we’ve had very difficult rivals in the Liga.

Q:  You’ve scored seven goals, five in the Liga and two in the CL.  Have you felt the presence of great passers this year, such as Di María or Özil?

A:  Yes, you feel the presence of those people who find spaces, that give you a great last pass.  There’s still time for us to get to know each other better, to get familiar with plays, but I think we’ve improved a lot in our attack.

Q:  What is your reaction when you read or hear that you and Cristiano Ronaldo don’t understand each other, that you don’t pass to each other?

A:  It makes me laugh, a lot!  We scored more than 50 goals last season, with many resulting from each other’s passes, and there are still people who say this… 

Q:  Is the team going to take the Copa del Rey seriously this year?

A:  We’ve never stopped taking it seriously.  Last year, as a result of what happened, some people thought that we didn’t care about it, but Real Madrid always goes for the win. 

Q:  What’s José Mourinho like with his players?

A:  He’s very close to us.  He’s a good person.  He tells you what he thinks while looking you in the eyes.  You note that he’s telling the truth.  That’s very important for us.

Q:  Is he as demanding as he appears to be?

A:  Yes, because he’s a winner.  And he infects you with this spirit.  He’s made other teams more mature, and he knew how to transmit that to the players here.

Q:  Is Mou what Madrid needed?

A:  The team is growing a lot each day.  The coach knows how to use what he has here wisely, both the veterans and the new players, but it’s still too early to talk about if we’re already formed as a team.  The season just started.

Q:  What is Gonzalo Higuaín’s secret to success?

A:  Confidence in oneself.  And to never give up.  The team and my father, who was a footballer, have helped me a lot.  But I still have a lot of areas in which to improve.  I always try to do my best, but the results are due to what the team is doing.  I always say that the individual can excel only if the collective is doing well.

Q:  Are you afraid that Benzema will take your starting place away from you?

A:  Benzema is a teammate, we can play together, but no matter if he plays or I play, the important thing for both of us is the team.