Cristiano Ronaldo backed by Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Ramos
Monday 16 March 2015 16:28, UK
Sergio Ramos has backed Cristiano Ronaldo in the wake of criticism of the Portuguese forward’s reaction to Gareth Bale's goals in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Levante.
The Madrid number seven seemed more concerned that his effort had been cleared off the line than the fact that Bale had tucked away the rebound for the opener and seemed equally frustrated - throwing an arm in the air - when his shot was turned in by the Welshman for the second.
However, Ramos defended his team-mate and his failure to find the net for a second La Liga game in succession, noting the high standards that Ronaldo has set for himself as the reason for his reaction.
"It is difficult to be Cristiano and he has been performing at a very high level for a number of years," he told the official Real Madrid website.
"He knows himself better than anyone, he has a very competitive character and we are not worried if he didn't score if Bale subsequently did. We have to appreciate what he brings to the team."
The Spain defender also put on record his support for under-fire manager Carlo Ancelotti, claiming the former Chelsea boss "deserves respect".
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Ancelotti ended Los Blancos' wait for a tenth Champions League crown but has come under scrutiny - most recently after scraping through to the Champions League quarter-finals following a 4-3 home defeat to Schalke, but edging through 5-4 on aggregate.
"He is doing well," Ramos said of his manager.
"He has gone through a difficult situation but if anyone deserves respect, it is Ancelotti, especially after last season," he added.
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