Carlo Ancelotti has thrown his support behind Sergio Ramos following the Real Madrid defender's exclusion from the Ballon d'Or running.
The 28-year-old was left out of the initial 23-man shortlist for the individual honour in October, and the Coach believes the Spaniard's contributions to Los Blancos' Champions League triumph last season have been 'forgotten'.
"I don't know, I'm thinking about something else [other than today's announcement of the Ballon d'Or final three]," he told reporters at a Press conference today.
"Sure, it may be won by a German for what Neuer has done.
"Apart from Kroos and Khedira, who are the best players in Germany, Neuer had a good season.
"Everyone's forgotten about Sergio. He scored two goals in the semi-finals and one in the final. Even I forgot about Sergio. I had to ask for his forgiveness!"
Ancelotti then commented on Madrid’s fanbase, the side’s improvement at the back, Alvaro Medran’s potential ahead of starting against Cornella in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey last-32 second leg and the club’s interest in Mallorca starlet Marco Asensio.
"Our stadium always helps us. The crowd like to cheer us on, no matter who the opponents are," he added.
"We have a very competitive squad, and tomorrow there will be a competitive Madrid, who will try to play well and win.
"Medran is a complete midfielder, who can play in several positions. He has quality and durability.
"He's a complete footballer. He can play anywhere and doesn't just have a defensive profile. He likes to play box to box, a bit like Modric and Kroos.
"After the defeats we suffered, we needed to improve a lot defensively. They've all done very well.
"Pepe and Ramos have played the most games, while Varane has also played well and Marcelo, Arbeloa and Carvajal have helped a lot.
"Marco's a very good player, so we're interested in him and talking with [his club] Mallorca.
"He'd be a signing for the summer, not the winter."
