Roberto Carlos says Real Madrid's Pepe will learn to control his aggression, and claims the defender plays in the club's true style.
Portugal international Pepe has been criticised for his antics in recent clashes with Barcelona, most notably during the first leg of last month's Copa del Rey quarter-final, when he was accused of deliberately stamping on Lionel Messi.
Former Real stalwart Carlos feels while Pepe does need to play with more restraint, the centre-half also embodies the fighting spirit exhibited by his predecessors.
"If Raul always got the great goals against Barcelona and was said to be the fan favourite, Pepe wants to (be a fan favourite) with his style of play, with his aggressiveness," Carlos was quoted as saying by LaSexta Deportes.
"He's young and will learn to be calmer. But he has Madrid's style, a real fighter."
Carlos also expressed his sympathy for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been targeted following some below-par performances early in 2012.
"I was surprised that the fans booed (Ronaldo)," Carlos said.
"He is the reference point for Madrid and when you make mistakes, people criticise you."
Real sit first in the La Liga standings, with Jose Mourinho's men seven points clear of second-placed Barca.
Portugal international Pepe has been criticised for his antics in recent clashes with Barcelona, most notably during the first leg of last month's Copa del Rey quarter-final, when he was accused of deliberately stamping on Lionel Messi.
Former Real stalwart Carlos feels while Pepe does need to play with more restraint, the centre-half also embodies the fighting spirit exhibited by his predecessors.
"If Raul always got the great goals against Barcelona and was said to be the fan favourite, Pepe wants to (be a fan favourite) with his style of play, with his aggressiveness," Carlos was quoted as saying by LaSexta Deportes.
"He's young and will learn to be calmer. But he has Madrid's style, a real fighter."
Carlos also expressed his sympathy for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been targeted following some below-par performances early in 2012.
"I was surprised that the fans booed (Ronaldo)," Carlos said.
"He is the reference point for Madrid and when you make mistakes, people criticise you."
Real sit first in the La Liga standings, with Jose Mourinho's men seven points clear of second-placed Barca.