Ancelotti stands by misfiring Ronaldo

Andy West 09:11 02/05/2015
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  • Frustrated: Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Carlo Ancelotti has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the goal trail and doesn’t understand the criticism of the Portuguese superstar.

    Ronaldo has failed to score in his three last games and was visibly frustrated by his failure to find the target in Wednesday’s victory over lowly Almeria despite nine attempts at goal, with fans also whistling the 30-year-old.

    But he is still this season’s leading scorer in La Liga with 39 – one more than Lionel Messi – and Ancelotti said he is baffled by any criticism aimed at the Portuguese, especially from the club’s fans.

    “I don’t understand the Bernabeu whistling Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Ancelotti. “If he has scored so many goals this season, it’s because he has the personality that he always wants to improve. That’s why he has scored so many goals for such a long time.”

    Madrid could certainly use Ronaldo at his best tonight as they travel to face a Sevilla team protecting a remarkable 14-month unbeaten record at home.

    Unai Emery’s dynamic side have played 34 games at the Sanchez Pizjuan without suffering a single defeat since they lost to city rivals Real Betis last March, and they recently held Barcelona to a thrilling 2-2 draw thanks to an impressive comeback.

    The Andalusians’ outstanding home form has propelled them into the thick of the race for a Champions League spot, currently level on points with Valencia in the battle for fourth place, and also sent them through to the semifinals of the Europa League.

    And having suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat against Sevilla towards the end of last season, Ancelotti does not need reminding how dangerous they are.

    “We have to play as well as possible,” he added. “It’s a very tough match against a team who particularly at home are really strong.

    “It will be a really intense, demanding game. They are on a very, very good run and we will need to be at our best to win.”

    One player always in the spotlight against Sevilla is Sergio Ramos, who started his career with the Andalusian club.

    And Ancelotti emphasised how highly he regards the centre back as he described Ramos as the “most complete” defender he has ever worked with.

    “There are defenders with extraordinary technical qualities, others who are focused and have great defensive ability,” he said. “Fabio Cannavaro was fantastic at marking. Franco Baresi had personality and the ability to lead the defensive line. But Ramos is the most complete. He has a bit of everything.”

    Sevilla coach Emery admits tonight’s match is just part of what is an exciting end of the season for his side. Emery said: “The greatest satisfaction is the group. Everyone wants to write their name in Sevilla history. Every game is special.

    “We will enjoy Saturday. We know it will be difficult to win but we will try to do it.” 

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