“We are going to have to focus against this tough rival if we want to win the title”, said the Whites' captain.
Sergio Ramos addressed the media at Al-Ittihad club's training ground ahead of Real Madrid's final training session prior to Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against Atlético (7pm CET, 9pm local time).
The captain spoke of the team's desire to secure the first silverware of 2020: "One of the most important things is to have that ambition, never tire of winning and keep that ambition that we've had for many years alive. It's a reward to be contesting another final and we're up against opponents that we now and who deserve to be here. We'll have to be disciplined, make as few errors as possible and try to take the trophy".
"This is the kind of game where you the fine margins can either punish you or can see you lift the trophy. We're showing really good balance in our defensive play and the team benefits greatly from that. We'll be looking to hurt Atlético and when you study them, there are a lot of ways to do so. The chance to win a trophy is motivation enough, without having to think about our previous meetings".
Fine individual form
"I'm enjoying a good spell in my career and feel younger by the day. When you're performing well, the team benefits from that. I hope to steer clear of injury and that I can perform to my best so that we can have than defensive balance and keep clean sheets".
"I'm enjoying a good spell in my career and feel younger by the day. When you're performing well, the team benefits from that. I hope to steer clear of injury and that I can perform to my best so that we can have than defensive balance and keep clean sheets".
Praise for Zidane
"He's proved that he's an excellent coach and I've always said that. As time goes by, he's learning, just as I am. I work hard every day to improve and I imagine that's the same for the coaches too. He continues to offer his strengths, which are hard work and professionalism. We haven't changed, we're just the same. When you work hard and put the effort in, the results end up coming your way. We're in better shape fitness-wise and have a better grasp of how we have to play. We've hit upon that balance before we were expected to".
"He's proved that he's an excellent coach and I've always said that. As time goes by, he's learning, just as I am. I work hard every day to improve and I imagine that's the same for the coaches too. He continues to offer his strengths, which are hard work and professionalism. We haven't changed, we're just the same. When you work hard and put the effort in, the results end up coming your way. We're in better shape fitness-wise and have a better grasp of how we have to play. We've hit upon that balance before we were expected to".
Finals against Atlético
“I look at previous games and how many we won. I hope we can keep it up. They are a tough team, they battle until the dying moments. They have a top coach and some great players. We are ready to fight to the death to win this thing.”
Five midfielder system
“When you have so many players in the middle, you get more possession. With more forwards the game can be more direct. We control things well but we could be more direct. We can vary things depending on the rival and that is good because we can do more damage. It is all up to the coach, he is handling it all so well”.
“I look at previous games and how many we won. I hope we can keep it up. They are a tough team, they battle until the dying moments. They have a top coach and some great players. We are ready to fight to the death to win this thing.”
Five midfielder system
“When you have so many players in the middle, you get more possession. With more forwards the game can be more direct. We control things well but we could be more direct. We can vary things depending on the rival and that is good because we can do more damage. It is all up to the coach, he is handling it all so well”.