Sanchez: Ronaldo needs soft touch

Former Real Madrid man Hugo Sanchez believes superstar Cristiano Ronaldo needs to be ‘pampered’ by fans in order to perform at his best.

The Portugal international has been criticised by the club’s faithful for his unimpressive outings against Barcelona, but Sanchez said the striker needed support from fans.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has to be cuddled and pampered. You have to be careful with him and spoil him,” said Sanchez in an interview with RNE.

“We all know his character, so we can’t act surprised now all of a sudden. He’s always needed support, and gets that affection from his coach.”

“If he can start scoring goals again then the fans will soon share the coach’s feelings again.”

Real Madrid face Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.