Sergio Ramos has responded to criticism by Xavi Hernandez that Real Madrid are just a counter-attacking team.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi argued it was his team’s inability to deal with Madrid’s breaks that led to them going down 3-1 to Carlo Ancelotti’s men in El Clasico at the weekend, something Ramos has dismissed out of hand.
“There will be 20,000 different opinions in football and you must learn to respect them,” he told reporters at a Spanish Football League awards gala on Monday night.
“However, anyone who knows anything about this profession knows that Real Madrid played with identity, kept the ball with a high percentage of possession and played some fantastic football.
“With obvious things like this you need to be realistic,” he countered.
Ramos went on to heap praise on Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and his understanding of the players in his squad.
“Carlo has been a footballer and knows what it is like to be out on the pitch. Not everyone can say that.
“He is a great person and is good at organising both those that are playing and those that aren’t, whilst also maintaining a positive spirit.”
