(Lovely picture, ¿no?)
There’s a derby this weekend, which means more interviews, news, press attention than usual! El País managed to catch up with Sergio Ramos, and this is what he had to say.
He’s the youngest player to reach 50 games with the national team. He’s the fullback with the highest number of steals in the Liga. He’s the second captain of Real Madrid. He’s not yet 25 years old. His name is Sergio Ramos, and he wants more.
Q: What do you see when you watch the DVDs of games at home?
A: I see a team that enjoys playing football, that works hard, that knows how to pull back and dominate when it’s necessary, something that we weren’t so good at before, and that is good physically. Our physical state is helping us out.
Q: What has Mourinho brought tactically?
A: He’s a perfectionist that has infected us with this quest for perfection. That makes each one want to improve, in each training session. He’s a very direct person, who communicates well with players, and that gives you tranquility when you go onto the field. He talks to you during the entire week about what the team you’re going to face is like and what player you’ll have to defend against on the wing. He keeps you updated.
Q: Does he ever raise his voice?
A: He doesn’t shout much. He’s very direct when he criticizes a player. It’s not necessary to scream to make someone better. It’s enough to tell it to one’s face, clearly and honestly.
Q: And is he capable of making you laugh?
A: Of course. He’s extraordinary with the players in everything. When he has to be serious, he is, and when it’s time to joke around, he’s the first one to do so.
Q: Does he frighten you?
A: No. But he does make you respect him. He’s the boss. What he says is above everything else.
Q: How does he coach you all?
A: Normally, the moods of the players that play the least are not the same as those of the starters. But with Mourinho, you have to demonstrate that you’re worth it in every session. He pressures a lot. We work with the ball a lot, and we also change exercises. The body notices that.
Q: And the physical preparation?
A: With the ball. Here, we’ve had everything. There were coaches that made us run laps, that made us do resistance exercises. Some took us to Austria to climb mountains. With Mou, it’s always about the ball. And now we’re all in great shape, and we haven’t suffered.
Q: Did you all speak previously about playing with one less defender when you had to make a comeback, such as during the games in Alicante and Milan?
A: No. They were improvisations of the míster.
Q: What do you think about Di María?
A: All of us are very happy with him. He helps out with defense and he’s very fast. I think in general both Fideo and Sami fit in well with us. Fideo will be an important footballer.
Q: You’re the fullback with the most number of steals in the Liga. One every seven minutes. Why?
A: It makes me happy to surpass myself. I’m also happy that I’m not receiving as many cards this year; I’ve only received two. That’s a record for me. And that’s related to the recoveries of the balls. My concentration is better. One’s mood is also important for this. For a footballer, having self confidence is fundamental. After six years in Madrid, and now as second captain, I’m feeling great mentally and physically.
Q: When was the first time you spoke with Mourinho?
A: He called me on the phone when he knew that he was coming. He called all the international players. These types of things make him different. He told me that I had to show who I was in a World Cup, to stay calm. He also wished me luck.
Update: this is what Diego Torres, who interviewed Sergio, said on twitter about their chat.
Left: Sergio is like how he tweets: authentic, generous, a bit innocent despite having an image of being a dandy.
Center: Sergio Ramos shares the sane destiny as Hierro and Sanchís. Defenders, madridistas, captains, giants of football who have been underestimated too many times.
Right: Before the interview, I thought that he had already turned 25. But no. He was born on March 30, 1986. He’ll spend most of this season in his 24th year.