Juande Ramos Assures Real Madrid Are Motivated

Real Madrid coach, Juande Ramos has assured today that his players are motivated, sometimes too much in fact, despite the massive lead Barcelona have in the league.

Even though Barcelona are twelve points clear at the top of La Liga, Real Madrid are not lacking any motivation, according to Juande Ramos.

Speaking today, ahead of their clash with Numancia this weekend, Ramos declared that sometimes he even has to slow the players down, because they are so eager.

"Despite the good form of Barcelona, I do not have to work to motivate this team," he told AS.

"In fact, I have to control the players, because they are so eager to go. The desire and intensity in training makes me worry that they will get injured, so I try to stop them sometimes."

More worryingly for Real Madrid and Ramos though is how they are going to stop Barcelona, who are running away with the league, and do not look like slipping up.

The bonus for Madrid this weekend is that they play on Saturday, so can gain some ground on them for at least a day, but, the downside is that in Soria it could well snow, and is likely to be very cold, not that Ramos is concerned.

"The televisions choose, and we cannot decide, we will just go out to play and to get the three points. The state of the pitch can affect the game so I will wait until the last minute for the team selection," he declared.

The coach was also questioned about possible signings this winter, and remained coy, saying he is pleased with what he has.

"I am delighted with what I have, and the test is that, apart from the Barcelona game, we have won all the games I have been in charge for," he mused.

"I have not asked for anything. The sports director knows the level of the players, who can win anything, and a few months ago won the league."