“The excitement and desire to secure a spot on the squad is palpable in every training session”, said the Whites’ second captain
Realmadrid.com
Sergio Ramos spoke to the press for the first time this season. The Whites’ second captain was excited for the season, set to officially start in just over a fortnight, and had words of praise for Carlo Ancelotti: “He’s one of the best in the world and we’re going to try to enjoy it. Having highly experienced coaches is a very positive thing. You learn a lot from him and hopefully I can bring titles. The important thing is that we understand perfectly what he teaches us and have a good year from there. It's a tremendous joy to be here and we hope he has a hard time choosing because competition is very important on great teams”.
Ramos was clear about the high spirits observed at every training session and every player’s motivation to convince the Italian coach: "Everything settles down when a new coach arrives, but also you can see each player’s desire and effort. We can convey calm, but the uncertainty created from wanting a spot on the squad is palpable. Your motivation encourages you to keep working and growing. You should never lose your motivation, because you’ll have a problem the day you do”.
When asked about the club’s reinforcements for the upcoming season and the player that has surprised him the most over these last few days, Ramos replied: “We shouldn’t criticise anybody, because we have a group of players that are trying. There are players who make the difference and who can have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play here and they shouldn’t squander it. The train only passes once and you have to be ready for it. The hard part is keeping it up. This isn’t just any team, this is Real Madrid”.
Ramos also commented on his personal situation on the squad: “I think I’m a player that has given his all. I wake up excited to continue growing both personally and professionally and the ideal team to do that on is Real Madrid, because it has the best coaches and players. I can bring a humble attitude and young outlook to the squad as I did from the start. There is little to add about the past. I don’t hold grudges and I focus on the best that I’ve experienced. I wake up each day eager to learn. I did it with Mourinho and I do the same with Ancelotti”.
The Whites’ second captain also had words for two of his teammates. Regarding Isco, the defender commented: “It’s good that young players with ambition and a desire to win trophies are on the squad. He made a difference on his former team. He’s good news for the team and can add a lot of great things. Competition is always good and we have to expect things from our teammates. We all want to play and the best players should be the ones that do”. Regarding Pepe: “He’s always been a guarantee on the pitch and is one of the best in the world. It would be wonderful if he continues here, but everyone is free to decide their future. He continues to form part of this team, which is more or less complete on defence”.
When asked about Real’s first rival on American soil and the type of football played in the United States, Ramos replied: “Los Angeles Galaxy are a leading team in this country. They’ve won two titles in a row and it’s always good to face the best in order to be as ready as possible for the official season. Their biggest player is Donovan, but Keane also makes a difference. They’ve also had strong growth in this country. They won the Gold Cup and continue to show progress and consistency today. As players we’re happy that they’re on par with the best competitions in the world”.
To conclude, and in reference to the Whites’ possible signing of Bale, Ramos said: “The price of players is determined by the market. He’s not very expensive from my point of view. It’s important that there are young, national players on this squad because a national core is very important. But from there it’s wonderful to have great players. It’s a good philosophy and a good project. The president and Ancelotti will decide if he needs to come here”.
When asked about the club’s reinforcements for the upcoming season and the player that has surprised him the most over these last few days, Ramos replied: “We shouldn’t criticise anybody, because we have a group of players that are trying. There are players who make the difference and who can have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play here and they shouldn’t squander it. The train only passes once and you have to be ready for it. The hard part is keeping it up. This isn’t just any team, this is Real Madrid”.
Ramos also commented on his personal situation on the squad: “I think I’m a player that has given his all. I wake up excited to continue growing both personally and professionally and the ideal team to do that on is Real Madrid, because it has the best coaches and players. I can bring a humble attitude and young outlook to the squad as I did from the start. There is little to add about the past. I don’t hold grudges and I focus on the best that I’ve experienced. I wake up each day eager to learn. I did it with Mourinho and I do the same with Ancelotti”.
The Whites’ second captain also had words for two of his teammates. Regarding Isco, the defender commented: “It’s good that young players with ambition and a desire to win trophies are on the squad. He made a difference on his former team. He’s good news for the team and can add a lot of great things. Competition is always good and we have to expect things from our teammates. We all want to play and the best players should be the ones that do”. Regarding Pepe: “He’s always been a guarantee on the pitch and is one of the best in the world. It would be wonderful if he continues here, but everyone is free to decide their future. He continues to form part of this team, which is more or less complete on defence”.
When asked about Real’s first rival on American soil and the type of football played in the United States, Ramos replied: “Los Angeles Galaxy are a leading team in this country. They’ve won two titles in a row and it’s always good to face the best in order to be as ready as possible for the official season. Their biggest player is Donovan, but Keane also makes a difference. They’ve also had strong growth in this country. They won the Gold Cup and continue to show progress and consistency today. As players we’re happy that they’re on par with the best competitions in the world”.
To conclude, and in reference to the Whites’ possible signing of Bale, Ramos said: “The price of players is determined by the market. He’s not very expensive from my point of view. It’s important that there are young, national players on this squad because a national core is very important. But from there it’s wonderful to have great players. It’s a good philosophy and a good project. The president and Ancelotti will decide if he needs to come here”.