Ancelotti: I’ll play Ramos up front!

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has jokingly suggested that he will play Sergio Ramos as a striker one day ahead of Sunday’s trip to Celta Vigo in La Liga.

Ramos received rave reviews for anchoring Los Blancos’ midfield against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last Wednesday, and his versatility – according to the Coach – means he is even capable of leading the line in the future.

“We must give [Chicharito] minutes,” he began at his weekly Press conference.

“He’ll be an important player [on Sunday]. His situation is clear and we’ll speak at the end of the season.

“The team are feeling good and winning games. Reaching the [Champions League] semi-finals was very important.

“From [beating Atleti], we’ve recovered the energy to play in La Liga with eagerness.

“[Saturday] will be very difficult. Celta are playing very well and will make it tough for us to win the game.

“I thought [playing Ramos as a holding midfielder] was a fair decision to win this game [against Atleti].

“I thought he’d give us a lot [in that position] and he did. I didn’t know what was at stake for me in that game. It was important for everyone, not just me.

“Why [can’t he play there again]? I promised him that one day I’d play him as a centre forward, which is what he likes most.

“He can play in any position but it was a decision for the match. Sergio will return to the defence [on Sunday].

“It’s more difficult to win the League because we’re at a disadvantage while Barcelona have an advantage, ​​although they are only two points ahead and we’re all equal in the Champions League.

“[Luka] Modric will only be available at the end of season. [Karim] Benzema could be fit for the first leg [against Juventus] and Bale [could play] against Sevilla.

“Nobody’s happy when they’re not playing. Isco isn’t happy, neither are Nacho nor Chicharito. This is normal. What isn’t normal is when this anger spills onto the pitch.

“It’s not good when a player performs badly, but it can happen to anyone. The squad’s healthy, the players are working very hard and very seriously.

“Chicharito’s an example for the Coach and the players who have played little. Thanks to his professionalism, he was ready for his big moment.

“I talk to [Jese Rodriguez] as I talk to everyone. I understand he wants to play more, but he must be ready for when his time comes, like it did for Chicharito.

“Jese’s situation is clear, he’s staying [this summer].”

Tags Carlo Ancelotti Sergio Ramos
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