Last updated: 30th November 2011 - SkySports

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos told Revista that his side is full of confidence ahead of the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.

The two rivals meet on December 10 at the Bernabeu with Madrid in a rich vein in form, going great guns under Jose Mourinho this season.

Los Blancos are the current pace setters in the Primera Division, a stark contrast to last term when Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Catalans walked away with the La Liga title, as well as success in the UEFA Champions League.

This time around, though, the balance of power has slightly shifted towards the Spanish capital and Ramos has spoken of the high spirits in the camp.

Asked about the qualities of this year's Madrid side, he said: "I would say the project and the mentality it brings, be it with the young or more experienced players.

"It's that union, that desire to achieve and keep adding to our CVs and in the end we are all seeing this in one another.

"We are a young team who want to achieve great things at Real Madrid and that requires a lot of work, trust and humility.

"It's a culmination of things but the key is to believe and understand the importance of the difficulty in achieving your goals."

Confidence

He added: "I'd say stability in the work and the confidence you have in yourself as a footballer, he [Mourinho] really gets the best out of you.

"He instils that character of success both into training as well as games, ultimately improving you as a player and a person.

"As a consequence there has been an immediate positive response from the squad."

Last season's El Clasico fixtures were often heated affairs, with the games often tainted by the number of cards dished out and the perceived dives from certain players.

Indeed, Ramos was sent off in the humiliating 5-0 defeat at the Camp Nou last November, but he claims that, despite the criticism, there will always be intense rivalries between the two teams.

"At the end of the day there are thousands and millions of people all with their own ideas. You can't please everyone and we respect everyone's opinion and above all football fans," he said.

"When you play in games like that in the Champions League and also in La Liga you need to always understand the situation.

"The nerves and tension that exist in each game are with players who we know in the national team of whom we get on with phenomenally well and whom we have friendships with.

"Ultimately, when you step onto the pitch you put those things to one side and you take it upon yourself to defend the badge. Which in this instance happens to be that of Real Madrid."

30 Nov, 2011

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