Ramos plays down Real meeting

Sergio Ramos has played down the importance of a meeting between players and coaching staff at Real Madrid’s training ground on Monday.

The Spanish defender and goalkeeper Iker Casillas were reportedly behind the decision to call a get-together following Real’s defeat to rivals Atletico on Saturday.

However, Ramos has claimed the gathering was positive and feels those outside the club should not read too much into the
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discussions.

“There is no need to give more importance to the meeting,” he said on Tuesday.

“It is always positive to talk things out in the dressing room, and it is always positive. The things stay inside, but there have also been meetings in good moments.

“Now that maybe there is a crisis there is more talk about it, but in all teams it is good that people talk and say things which need to be said, directly to each other’s faces.”

Ramos, speaking ahead of Real’s UEFA Champions League tie with Copenhagen on Wednesday, also offered his backing to striker Karim Benzema, whose La Liga goal drought was extended to five games on Saturday.

Benzema appeared to argue with defender Pepe during the Atletico game and was also given a tough time by Real supporters, but Ramos is adamant the Frenchman remains among the best strikers in the world.

“Whatever happens in dressing room stays inside. When things need to be resolved they should be resolved,” he continued.

“Karim lives through goals and when there are no goals he will be criticised. But for me he is one of the best forwards in the world.

“For me he is one of the best forwards in the world. Everyone has been whistled at the Bernabeu. Nobody likes it, but it can help you to improve.”