Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has implicitly criticised the sacking of ex-boss Carlo Ancelotti, while saying that likely successor Rafa Benitez is a "great coach."
Ancelotti was relieved of his duties by Blancos president Florentino Perez last week after the 2014-15 season ended in disappointment, despite the Italian having won the Champions League and Copa del Rey in his first campaign in charge.
Former Valencia, Liverpool and Chelsea manager Benitez, who left Napoli last weekend with the team having failed to qualify for next season's Champions League, arrived in the Spanish capital on Monday and is expected to be presented by Perez as Madrid's new coach on Wednesday.
Asked for his thoughts on the coaching changes at his club, Ramos, told AS as he arrived at the Spain national team's training camp this week that Benitez had proven himself as a winner with his previous clubs around Europe.
"You know more than me about that," Ramos said. "Until there is something official I am not going to make any comment on it. [Benitez] is a great coach. He has lots of experience in Spain, England and Italy, and has always won things. To bring this type of experience is good for the dressing room."
These words of support for Benitez were however mixed with comments suggesting Ramos did not agree completely with all the decisions taken by the hierarchy at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"I am not the one who takes these type of decisions, which maybe in my case, perhaps, would not have been the same," he said. "But the higher ranks are there for that, those who know the most about this."
Asked about Ancelotti, Ramos said that in theory it was a good idea to stick with coaches who had generated a positive atmosphere among the players.
"In general, a coach who ends up bringing balance and knows the dressing room well when it comes to managing it, is always good," he said. "The more time he is there, it is better for the group. But changes are made, maybe because they think that is the best solution, and we accept that."
The Andalusian defender was also asked for his thoughts on the reported imminent arrival of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea at the Bernabeu, a move which would heighten already loud speculation about the futures of current Madrid goalkeepers Iker Casillas, Keylor Navas and Dani Pacheco.
"[De Gea] is a great keeper," Ramos said. "He's already not just a keeper with potential, but already a great keeper. It is good that he does well with his team, so we can take advantage with the national side. There is talk of keepers who can come to Madrid, but out of respect for Iker, Keylor and Pacheco, I will say no more."
There was also time for questions to Ramos about his own contract situation, with talks begun after he had played a key role in the club's Decima Champions League win 12 months ago, having not ended in a pay-rise for the centre-half.
"That is not an issue I have to say anything about," the 29-year-old said. "But it seems to be pretty much parked now."