Manolo Sanchis: Ramos told me I'll get annoyed, but I'd love for him to surpass me

It took some time for Manolo Sanchis to finally get his hands on the European Cup.

He didn't manage to do it with his brilliant generation with the Quinta del Buitre, as had been expected, and it took a Real Madrid side which was in transition due to the arrival of the Galacticos for him to eventually win the trophy.

However, he ended up winning it twice and both times were as captain.

Sergio Ramos, though, could now life a third and the two club legends have discussed this in the build-up to this year's match in Kiev.

You've won two Champions League titles as captain, but Sergio Ramos has responded himself...

"He has won two [as captain], the same as me, but the other day he told me 'you're going to be annoyed because I'm going to take away that record'. Really, I'd love it if he does because he's up there with Cristiano Ronaldo for this Real Madrid generation."

Is he the key to this golden age?

"I think that what is good about this group is that the leaders of the squad are people with a huge commitment and the relationship between them is very good. They don't need to go out to dinner together. They are just very good co-workers."

Regarding Zinedine Zidane, it seems that he has succeeded in giving that power to Ramos and Ronaldo.

"There's no recipe on how to be a good coach. You need to have the ability to deal with the different personalities, depending on the squad. That's complicated at Real Madrid, but he has found the key."

What will we see from Real Madrid, four in the middle or a 4-3-3 with BBC?

"I'm sure Isco will play with the other three in the middle [Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos]. The question is over who will partner Cristiano Ronaldo. I'd bet on [Gareth] Bale. There's also [Karim] Benzema, but Lucas [Vazquez] and [Marco] Asensio have also earned it."

If they win another Champions League, can you say that this is a legendary Madrid side?

"I don't think it is necessary to win on Saturday for this team to occupy a great place in the history of this club. They have already earned that because they won three and that's incredible. This side are on the club's Mount Olympus."

Do Madrid seem like more of a favourite than in the other three finals?

"This is a final and a small situation can cost you, but I do believe that this one seems like the least difficult of all. Both against Atletico were very tough, as was the one against Juve and, while it is true that Real Madrid are maybe slightly above Liverpool, this is a final and anything can happen."

And what of this Liverpool team? After years without making it to a final, they won't be lacking in hunger...

"They are a great team, with good players and a great coach. They will try to exploit Madrid's weaknesses in their own way and have very dangerous players."

Knowing Jurgen Klopp, do you sense a crazy game that will be back and forth?

"I can't tell you what Klopp is thinking about what he has to do to beat Real Madrid, but I think he'll try to press them very high. That will help them create more opportunities and increase their chances of winning."

Real Madrid are masters of finals, do you think that is an advantage?

"I think so. It is an important factor to consider. Liverpool haven't played in a final since they had Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid have won three in four years so that can have an influence, especially in the delicate moments."