|
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has told Radio Marca he does not believe Cristiano Ronaldo would accept being rotated by Carlo Ancelotti as benching the forward would cost him "time, money and prestige." Real sit top of La Liga with 27 points from 11 games, though Carlo Ancelotti has been coy over his team selections of late with the Spanish media and fans calling for Gareth Bale to be dropped after Isco impressed in his absence. Though Ramos admits rotation is fundamental given the competition for places in the Champions League holders' squad, he says the consistency of Ronaldo -- who has scored 18 Liga goals this season -- is key to the club's success. "With teams that score a lot of goals, it is difficult to rotate too much," he told Radio Marca. "I don't believe in rotations, although no one is indispensable. There are players that don't like the rotation, but is fundamental to balance out the team. I doubt that Cristiano would be rotated because for him to miss a match is to lose time, money and prestige. "If he has a rest, the numbers are different. You prefer to play at the highest level for three years where no one can surpass you, rather than portion out doses for five years. To keep your body in shape you have to take three of eight games out per month and all the matches are important. It is tough to decide the right moment to rest." Ramos praised Ancelotti and recognised that the mood in the Real Madrid dressing room has improved since the Jose Mourinho era. "Those who have been here a while have always tried to keep the dressing room climate as good as possible so that new players don't walk into old problems. The ambience now is calmer," he said. "Ancelotti, in addition to being a great human being, has given us stability and calm in the dressing room so there are no major issues. He has known how to manage all types of players and problems. You can see it in the things he says. In addition to having a professional relationship with him I also consider him my friend because we can spend hours talking. With coaches who were former players you learn more than with others." Regarding the Ballon d'Or, Ramos sees Ronaldo as the main contender and said that the rest of the Real Madrid team shares his individual success. "If Cristiano wins the Ballon d'Or he is deserving of it," he added. "I would feel proud if he won it because his individual accomplishments are the fruits of the team's work. He is a unique player, a legend who is going to continue to break records that will be hard for others to surpass. We as a team are proud because it is part of all of our work."
|
