Source: SKY_Sports
Ramos in optimistic mood
Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos is refusing to read too much into the hype currently surrounding the club.[LNB] Not so long ago the Primera Liga giants were a team in crisis, with a disappointing start to the season putting pay to Bernd Schuster's tenure at Santiago Bernabeu.[LNB]However, since Ramos took the reins shortly before Christmas, Los Blancos have enjoyed a remarkable reversal in fortune.[LNB]Real have won 10 of their 11 competitive matches under the former Tottenham and Seville coach, with their current run of consecutive successes stretched to nine games.[LNB]New life has been breathed back into the club's title challenge, while there is a tangible air of expectation sweeping the Spanish capital as they prepare to face Liverpool in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.[LNB]"I think it's more an atmosphere of optimism than euphoria. We are calm and happy at how things are developing in the league because it gives us security and confidence going into games," Ramos said, whose side thrashed Real Betis 6-1 on Saturday.[LNB]"Maybe some fans are more happy and euphoric than others but the dressing room isn't like that and I'm happy with the state of the team and the way the players are approaching the game.[LNB]"It is a very tough and difficult tie and we have to work hard to get through."[LNB]CompetitiveLiverpool have seen their preparations for the midweek encounter disrupted by speculation surrounding the fitness of skipper Steven Gerrard, but Ramos expects Rafa Benitez's side to pose a considerable threat regardless of who takes to the field.[LNB]"Liverpool have very good players in general but it's as a team they are the most dangerous, they are very competitive," he said.[LNB]"If he (Gerrard) plays he's fit. I wouldn't play an injured player and I don't think Rafa would either. He's an important player.[LNB]"(But) to be honest when I talk about the game I only talk about Real Madrid and to get the best out of my side.[LNB]"I don't talk about Liverpool hardly at all because I don't know how they are going to play or who is going to play.[LNB]"What I want is for us to do as well as possible. The only thing that I know about them is that they are going to play with 11 players."[LNB]
