Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos has enthused at Carlo Ancelotti’s work, avoided criticism of Jose Mourinho and stayed non-committal on Gareth Bale.
Madrid are currently in Los Angeles ahead of a four-date tour of the United States and since Monday have also been joined by their Confederations Cup participants for training.
On from a first two days of work under new Coach Carlo Ancelotti, Ramos took to the Pressroom, where inevitably the transition from Jose Mourinho was discussed.
“It is always good to have the very best and most experienced Coaches,” reflected Ramos to reporters this week.
“He is one of the best in the world and is a guarantee and it is a joy to have him with us. Hopefully we can win some titles.
“Is the dressing room atmosphere better? When a new Coach arrives, it is possible to enjoy a level of tranquillity, but there is also determination, because the competition for places is great.
“Hopefully the Coach has difficulty in choosing an XI, because with everyone in the team there is great competition.
“Comparisons with Mourinho? On the past there is little to add. I am not a vindictive person and I only look at the positive experiences with a Coach like Mourinho.
“We wish him well and to talk about another Coach would be disrespectful to Ancelotti.
“I wake up every day eager to learn and for that I am grateful to Mourinho.”
Madrid are continually being linked with a move for Gareth Bale this summer, even at a price upwards of €100m.
“I believe that the price of players is determined by the market. It is not my job to decide if Bale has to come or if someone else must.
“In Madrid it is important to mix young players with internationals. A group of veterans and youngsters makes for a good project.
“Both the President and those responsible will be the ones to decide if Bale has to come.”
Ramos has notably grown in recent seasons into a centre-back both at club and international level. He was asked if he still sees room for improvement.
“I consider myself a player who gives his all and has the ambition to progress further. In that sense, the best place is Madrid and the Coaches and players that I am at the club with are ideal for improving.
“I consider myself a great player, but that is for others to say. Only I can add humility and the youthful mind like that I had when I first arrived here.
“The new arrivals? It is good that young players have come here, wanting to win titles. Isco has made a difference in Malaga and we are glad that he is here. Furthermore, he is also from Andalucia.
“I think they can contribute a lot and we must be demanding. Everyone is going to face competition because we all want to play.
“Is next season exciting? I speak of ambition because it is something that motivates you to work. The day you do not have that enthusiasm is when we will have a problem.
“Many young players have come in, eager to prove themselves and combined it will be easier.”
There are reports that Ramos may face possible competition for places from Giorgio Chiellini.
“I am not going to talk about those who are not here. I think that the team is locked in the defensive positions.
“For me it would be a job for Pepe to still be here because he is one of the best.”
