Ramos blasts Madrid fans for jeering of manager Ancelotti

Andy West 01:54 17/03/2015
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  • Lay off the boss: Sergio Ramos (l) has launched a strong defence of manager Carlo Ancelotti.

    Returning Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has given his unequivocal backing to under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian coach was whistled by a small section of the Bernabeu crowd during Sunday’s home win over Levante.

    The 2-0 victory, secured by a first half brace from Gareth Bale, got Los Blancos back into winning ways after their previous three outings resulted in one draw and two defeats.

    But the reaction from the Bernabeu public was far from overjoyed, with some supporters responding with whistles when other fans chanted Ancelotti’s name towards the end of the encounter.

    Ramos, who made his return to action following a six-week lay-off with a hamstring injury, believes Ancelotti should be given greater respect by the team’s supporters, saying: “He’s a great manager and, more than that, a great person. He knows how to deal with situations like this.”

    The experience centre back also appeared to take a swipe at Ancelotti’s predecessor Jose Mourinho, with whom he endured a famously tempestuous relationship, as he added: “If there’s a coach who deserves respect, considering what others have been allowed to do or forgiven for, it’s Ancelotti.”

    Somebody else receiving support from Ramos was frontman Cristiano Ronaldo, who looked a picture of frustration throughout Sunday’s game as he squandered a series of chances to remain goalless for the fifth time in his last seven league outings.

    In particular, Ronaldo has been criticised for petulant reactions to Bale’s two goals, with the Portuguese star clearly looking irritated that he did not find the target himself before begrudgingly going over to offer half-hearted congratulations to the Welshman.

    Ramos, however, insisted that Ronaldo’s sulkiness is part and parcel of his greatness and argued that any irritation he demonstrates is only with himself, not with his teammates who happen to score at his expense.

    “Being Cristiano is difficult, he’s been at such a high level for so many years,” reasoned Ramos.

    “He knows that better than anyone. He’s used to scoring 60 goals a year and when he gets 40 he’s not happy – he has a very competitive character and nobody will change it. But we’re not worried about him gesturing. We need to be grateful for what he brings to the side.”

    And after being absent for his team’s recent dip in form, Ramos was delighted to be back in action and believes his team can head into next weekend’s Clasico with confidence despite their recent struggles.

    “I was really keen to get back playing and perform at my top level, and the best way to do that is with a win,” he said. “We’re not playing well, but in the Clasico our honour and badge are at stake.”

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