Interview on Real Madrid.com
"The team's working great and deserves to win the League"
At 21 years old, Sergio Ramos is a key piece in the Real Madrid puzzle. His drive and energy are crucial in the team's aspirations to the title, and he's the brain and the motion man of a working philosophy that could result in the Madridistas taking one step further in the fight for the League.
King on the training pitch and on the field, Sergio Ramos is bound to become a living legend at Real Madrid. On his side, his winning attitude, his steadfastness in defence and in attack -the defender has scored two decisive goals in the last two matches- and his trademark aerial game. This Sunday he's up against his former team, but Sergio Ramos warns that, "Sevilla are a great side but we are in optimum physical and psychological form."
Success through team work
What has changed for the team to be having such an outstanding run at the end of the season?
I have to say our work. The team's getting stronger in every training session, which eventually pays off. Each one of our remaing matches is a final and it's good to be psychologically and physically fit. Our latest victories are making a difference and we're putting a lot of pressure on Sevilla and Barcelona so that they have to perform well.
Is sucees a consequence of team work?
Without a doubt. A united dressing room is what every team desires. We've really gelled and you can tell on the turf we are a team.
Is it a matter of confidence?
We're the same players as we were six months ago, but at the same time, we were going through a bad patch a while back. Streaks are normal in football. What matters is that we're doing well and confidence is high, both in and away from the Bernabéu. We feel the support from our fans.
Did you always believe you could win the League?
Always. If we didn't believe it, how could we get other to believe it or to place their trust in this team? We've always had our sights set on the League, but unfortunately, it's not just up to us. We're going to give it our all in the reamaining six finals and prove to everyone that we could have a perfect, or near perfect end of the season.
"I get excited when I go up against my former team"
How decisive is the match this Sunday against Sevilla?
It's definitely the most important final and much is at stake being that they are a direct rival. These three points are key to deciding the League.
What does playing against sevilla mean to you?
I'm thrilled. I get excited whenever I play against my former team and teammates, but now I'm proudly defending this badge and these colours.
Sevilla play tonight against Osasuna in the UEFA Cup. Do you think fatigue will play a factor in Sunday's match?
We are used to playing a lot of matches, but I think playing so many can take its toll towards the end of the season. Tonight they play for a spot in the UEFA final and will have little time to freshen up before coming to Madrid. We are in an opposite situation. We have days to recover our injured players, to work hard and to prepare every aspect of Sunday's match.
What are the keys to winning Sunday's crucial duel?
We are well aware that Sevilla create a lot of danger on the counterattack and along the wings. In addition to remaining calm and focused, we must hold on to the ball, play our game, exploit our speed down the flanks and take advantage of our set pieces, which lately have been so effective.
"I still haven't done what it takes to go down in Real Madrid history"
You are standing out when it comes to set pieces...
I don't deserve the credit. It's a group effort.
I'm sure you're thrilled with the two goals you've scored in the last two games...
Absolutely. I feel great and I'm very happy. It had been a while since I had scored and these goals meant a lot to the team. Let's hope we see some more and that everyhting continues going well.
You scored Real Madrid's 1,800th goal... You should go down in Real Madrid history.
That wouldn't be so bad, but I do realise that I've only been here for two years and I still haven't done what it takes to go down in Real Madrid history. Let's hope I do if I continue working this well and at this pace.
What's the best aspect of playing as a centre back and a right back?
I'm happy with the fact that the coach has faith in me to play in either position. I have fun playing down the wing because I have a little bit more liberty to attack, but I also enjoy going up against forwards when I'm in the middle of the back line.
You dominated on both the ground and in the air against Athletic Bilbao. Did it boost your confidence?
It boosted all of our confidence. We did great work in defence; all of us, Cicinho, Cannavaro, Torres and myself. The other lines also played well. In fact, I can't just point out one person. Good team work facilitates individual performances.
"I dream about Cibeles on a daily basis"
Do you think you'll go to bed on Sunday as the top team in the League?
That would be great, but I don't want to think about it because it's not just up to us. Barcelona need to slip up in Anoeta, which should be a tough match for them to win because Real Sociedad have a lot at stake.
This sin't the same Barcelona as years past...
That's obvious. They're not going through a good patch. Barcelona were far superior to any other team last year, but such isn't the case this season. Perhaps it is the amount of games they have played, fatigue, etc.
Do you see the team celebrating at Cibeles Fountain?
For sure. It's something I dream about on a daily basis. The team's working great and deserves to win the League.
Some final words for the fans...
Thank you for your faith and support and hopefully we'll see you at Cibeles Fountain.
& the pictures...
Real Madrid C.F.
At 21 years old, Sergio Ramos is a key piece in the Real Madrid puzzle. His drive and energy are crucial in the team's aspirations to the title, and he's the brain and the motion man of a working philosophy that could result in the Madridistas taking one step further in the fight for the League.
King on the training pitch and on the field, Sergio Ramos is bound to become a living legend at Real Madrid. On his side, his winning attitude, his steadfastness in defence and in attack -the defender has scored two decisive goals in the last two matches- and his trademark aerial game. This Sunday he's up against his former team, but Sergio Ramos warns that, "Sevilla are a great side but we are in optimum physical and psychological form."
Success through team work
What has changed for the team to be having such an outstanding run at the end of the season?
I have to say our work. The team's getting stronger in every training session, which eventually pays off. Each one of our remaing matches is a final and it's good to be psychologically and physically fit. Our latest victories are making a difference and we're putting a lot of pressure on Sevilla and Barcelona so that they have to perform well.
Is sucees a consequence of team work?
Without a doubt. A united dressing room is what every team desires. We've really gelled and you can tell on the turf we are a team.
Is it a matter of confidence?
We're the same players as we were six months ago, but at the same time, we were going through a bad patch a while back. Streaks are normal in football. What matters is that we're doing well and confidence is high, both in and away from the Bernabéu. We feel the support from our fans.
Did you always believe you could win the League?
Always. If we didn't believe it, how could we get other to believe it or to place their trust in this team? We've always had our sights set on the League, but unfortunately, it's not just up to us. We're going to give it our all in the reamaining six finals and prove to everyone that we could have a perfect, or near perfect end of the season.
"I get excited when I go up against my former team"
How decisive is the match this Sunday against Sevilla?
It's definitely the most important final and much is at stake being that they are a direct rival. These three points are key to deciding the League.
What does playing against sevilla mean to you?
I'm thrilled. I get excited whenever I play against my former team and teammates, but now I'm proudly defending this badge and these colours.
Sevilla play tonight against Osasuna in the UEFA Cup. Do you think fatigue will play a factor in Sunday's match?
We are used to playing a lot of matches, but I think playing so many can take its toll towards the end of the season. Tonight they play for a spot in the UEFA final and will have little time to freshen up before coming to Madrid. We are in an opposite situation. We have days to recover our injured players, to work hard and to prepare every aspect of Sunday's match.
What are the keys to winning Sunday's crucial duel?
We are well aware that Sevilla create a lot of danger on the counterattack and along the wings. In addition to remaining calm and focused, we must hold on to the ball, play our game, exploit our speed down the flanks and take advantage of our set pieces, which lately have been so effective.
"I still haven't done what it takes to go down in Real Madrid history"
You are standing out when it comes to set pieces...
I don't deserve the credit. It's a group effort.
I'm sure you're thrilled with the two goals you've scored in the last two games...
Absolutely. I feel great and I'm very happy. It had been a while since I had scored and these goals meant a lot to the team. Let's hope we see some more and that everyhting continues going well.
You scored Real Madrid's 1,800th goal... You should go down in Real Madrid history.
That wouldn't be so bad, but I do realise that I've only been here for two years and I still haven't done what it takes to go down in Real Madrid history. Let's hope I do if I continue working this well and at this pace.
What's the best aspect of playing as a centre back and a right back?
I'm happy with the fact that the coach has faith in me to play in either position. I have fun playing down the wing because I have a little bit more liberty to attack, but I also enjoy going up against forwards when I'm in the middle of the back line.
You dominated on both the ground and in the air against Athletic Bilbao. Did it boost your confidence?
It boosted all of our confidence. We did great work in defence; all of us, Cicinho, Cannavaro, Torres and myself. The other lines also played well. In fact, I can't just point out one person. Good team work facilitates individual performances.
"I dream about Cibeles on a daily basis"
Do you think you'll go to bed on Sunday as the top team in the League?
That would be great, but I don't want to think about it because it's not just up to us. Barcelona need to slip up in Anoeta, which should be a tough match for them to win because Real Sociedad have a lot at stake.
This sin't the same Barcelona as years past...
That's obvious. They're not going through a good patch. Barcelona were far superior to any other team last year, but such isn't the case this season. Perhaps it is the amount of games they have played, fatigue, etc.
Do you see the team celebrating at Cibeles Fountain?
For sure. It's something I dream about on a daily basis. The team's working great and deserves to win the League.
Some final words for the fans...
Thank you for your faith and support and hopefully we'll see you at Cibeles Fountain.
& the pictures...
Real Madrid C.F.