New Delhi: Fernando Gago was in optimistic mood on Wednesday as he declared that Real Madrid can still win both the Champions League and La Liga, despite the mountain they need to climb domestically.
With the new year approaching, Real Madrid will be hoping that it brings with it new fortunes, as they mount a challenge in Spain and Europe.
The defending La Liga champions may trail the leaders Barcelona by 12 points, and have to face Liverpool in the Champions League, but Fernando Gago, amongst others, is optimistic about their chances.
"The league and the Champions League are both feasible goals," he told AS.
"While mathematically the league is difficult, we are not going to give anything up, even though there is a large difference up to Barcelona. My aim is to grow each day, and for 2009 to be an important year for both the team and for myself. We want to play for both the league and the Champions League, and we have six months to do that.
"One must not give anything up. Two years ago the gap was also large, and we won on the last day. Barcelona at the moment are doing very well and we have had a small dip, but if we begin to win we can put them under pressure."
One of the edges that Real Madrid do have over the other sides in the league, is that they will not be playing in the Copa Del Rey anymore, after getting knocked out last round. Gago believes that because of this it is necessary to arrive in the 'best possible form' for their match with Liverpool in February.
The Argentine midfielder also spoke about the way his side must come out and play now, before analysing briefly their clash with Villarreal this weekend.
"There is a lot of time to fight and I trust this team to do the death. We play together and at times we win, other times we lose, but we must continue with the winning mentality," he declared.
"Villarreal are a good team who are playing very well, but we have a lot of desire, we know that this is a month where we must win, and more so at home, to show that we are fighting."
Gago was also questioned about the arrival of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Lassana Diarra, the latter of whom he is likely to be competing with for a place. He has no problem with the competition though, and accepts they may take some time to adapt to the level of the team.
"I do not think about it personally, if they play together then that is perfect, if there is just one, that is perfect. There are no problems as having more competition is healthy and beneficial for everyone," he mused.
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