Ancelotti: "If I'm Real Madrid coach today it's because of Sergio Ramos"

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the Sevilla-Real Madrid clash and referred to Sergio Ramos, who will be the main protagonist of the game due to his Madrid past.

Ancelotti highlighted the importance of the centre-back, not only for the club, but also for him on a personal level.

The Italian coach had words of praise for Ramos and, far from putting pressure on the centre-back, he praised his past as a Madridista and even made him responsible for his continuity on the club's bench.

I'd love to see [Ramos] and say hello," Ancelotti said. "I have affection for all the players I've had, but above all I have special affection for him.

"If I'm here today it's because of Sergio Ramos. If he hadn't scored the goal in the [Champions League] final, I probably wouldn't be here. For that, and for everything he did for this club, everybody has a lot of affection for him... He'll play well for sure. Let's hope he doesn't score but if he does, he can [celebrate] however he wants!"