Sergio Ramos is targeting a 10th European Cup success for Real Madrid this season, although he says it is not an obsession.
In an interview with ESPN, the Spanish international also spoke of new boss Carlo Ancelotti, his predecessor Jose Mourinho and eternal rivals Barcelona.
“Of course, winning a 10th European Cup is our objective this season because it is a competition we have not won for some years, but it is not an obsession.
“We need to be convinced we can win it because there are a lot of top class teams that also have the same aspirations,” explained Ramos, who was asked if there were any differences between the way Ancelotti and Mourinho approach things.
“Every Coach is different, whether it is their tactics, philosophy, formation…each one has his own way of doing things. We are going through a transitional stage but I can assure you the whole team is delighted with the way Ancelotti works, his closeness, and hopefully we can go on a good run and win trophies.
“Last season [under Mourinho] we did not achieve the success of previous years, but I prefer to remain positive and think of the good things. I don’t hold a grudge.
“I try to think of the nice things, of what we learned during a time that is now over and forgotten about.
“Football goes on and we need to keep on improving, being ambitious and winning titles.”
“Now is a new era, with a new Coach and new signings, so we are all very excited and eager to get things started.”
Ramos was asked his opinion on Barcelona for next season and in particular the dream front pairing of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“We’ve had our own years with ‘galacticos’ and even then we won nothing, so anything can happen.
“I wish all Spanish teams the best but obviously when we play against Barcelona I don’t wish them the best of luck because that would be hurtful to Real Madrid, and above all else my team has to be up there at the top.
“Neymar and Messi? Personally I prefer Cristiano, [Mesut] Ozil and Isco, who are the players we have.
“Nobody doubts Neymar and Messi are both great players but I’m happy with what we’ve got,” he concluded.
