Mourinho's top three players of the 2011-2012 season

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Sergio Ramos. For Mourinho, they are the top three players have finished the season in best form. And in this line the manager and coach of Real Madrid wants to continue with reinforcements. Footballers who do not lose power to endure eight months to a high pace and playing every game at full intensity.

When the Portuguese coach was asked last Saturday at the press conference before playing against Mallorca, in which appeared with his sporty family (Rui Faria, Karanka, Silvino Louro and Morais), his evaluation of the season, his response after stopping to think a few seconds, was: "9". He then was asked by the players and said: "10 to some". That 'some' was emphasized or underlined in his intonation to make clear that, despite being a positive season, not everything has gone well.

The level of demand required for Mourinho to all players is fundamental to win titles and only thus can be explained that this Real Madrid has managed to win the league with 100 points and breaking records as the 32 victories in the championship or the 121 goals. It's time to give a scientific explanation and for that, Mourinho and his team are evaluating the real and objetive figures of each player. Are the notes of the season. There are some players who have held up better than others the highly competitive effort it takes to be champion.

Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo

The top three players in the squad are Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Sergio Ramos. They are the field players have played more minutes and have suffered less wear. Their capacity to resist has led them to achieve the 10 note for Mourinho. The explanation lies in their physical and in the disciplined daily work that has been done since the start of pre-season in July until the present day. They have not been neglected. They have undergone a comprehensive fitness plan, specific work in the gym, diet and rest, which has made them overcome any downturn and injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played 53 games in all competitions, with a total of 4,910 minutes. Is estimated he has surpassed the barrier of 500 kilometers, calculating a minimum average of 10 kilometers per game. His figures are almost similar to last season. He played 55 games, with 5,090 minutes.

Pepe is a player who has improved a lot. This season has overcome the numbers in games played: 45 by 32 of the past season. But what is celebrated is that he has not suffered the injuries of past years. He has taken a qualitative leap in their physical condition.

Just as Sergio Ramos, a physical prodigy with an insatiable mindset to compete and play even though this season has played with back problems. He has played 51 games, with 4,665 minutes, while last season he played 46 games.

And Mourinho thinks that now is the time to take another step. The game against Bayern Munich was a warning. The Germans dominated the match at the Bernabeu and won in individual duels what was key to the team could not take advantage of the 2-0 after the first 15 minutes. The last effort to reach the final of the Champions League could not be performed, forces failed at the most important and crucial moment of the season.

And all this serves to analyze which positions must be strengthened in the forthcoming season, which players need a replacement, what demarcations are most vulnerable and where the team can grow.

Squad: Sergio Ramos (4)

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos was trained in Sevilla’s youth system and made his first team debut at the age of 17 and under the tutelage of manager Joaquín Caparrós. The Andalusian has always stood out for his grit, determination, and self-confidence and is well on track to becoming the most prolific Spanish defender of all time -UEFA named him Newcomer of the 2004/05 Liga-. Real Madrid saw Ramos as the perfect centre-back to fill the hole left by Fernando Hierro and signed him in 2005.

Since his arrival in the Spanish capital, Sergio has been an example of hard work, dedication, and potential. Once on the pitch, he showcases drive, leadership, excellent defensive skills, great speed, a powerful shot, and a phenomenal goal-scoring instinct. Ramos joined the Club as a centre-back but established himself as a right-back during the 2006/07 and 2007/08 campaign; his amazing versatility makes him a great asset for any coach.

Sergio Ramos is a key figure on the team, a leader and a captain. The defender from Seville is also a regular on the Spanish national team. At 19, he became the youngest man to make his debut with Spain in 55 years. He made history with Spain again by being in the second squad to win the European Championship in 2008 (Spain previously won the title in 1964) and by helping the team win its first ever World Cup trophy in South Africa 2010.

Data

• Place of Birth: Seville, Spain
• Date of Birth: 30/03/1986
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 81 kg
• Height: 183.2 cm
• Nationality: Spanish

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• La Liga: 2006/07, 2007/08
• Spanish Super Cup: 2008
• European Championship: 2008
• Bronze Medal, Confederations Cup: 2009
• World Cup: 2010
• Gold Medal, Under-19 European Championship: 2004

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Sergio Ramos and Pepe: Happy with their renewal

Sergio Ramos and Pepe were very satisfied with their contract extensions until 2017 and until 2016 respectively. Pepe valued his contract extension: "Mourinho has been important, but I was here before coach. I arrived, showed my football when everyone had doubts and I've finally been able to renew. I was sure that was on track and now I am overjoyed because I will be where I always wanted to be, Real Madrid".

Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos said: "It has cost and has been delayed, but my idea has always been spend many years here, to renew and enjoy the Real Madrid and that my name can live here for many years. I have always felt renewed, least important is when. This was delayed because I had no concern. I was just focused on playing football and when the work was done, I could sign the contract extension and for a long period of years".

Pepe and Ramos very happy in Los Angeles

Both, as major players in the template, rated the signings of Coentrao and Varane, who will accompany them on defense. The Portuguese spoke of his compatriot: "He's a great player but still has a lot to learn. We will try to integrate him. He will give us a lot of work and creativity. He will help a lot".

Sergio Ramos analyzed Varane, whom he calls Rafa: "He's a young boy with a lot of future. Everything that is to sign youth and future, and if he comes recommended by Zizou, is good for us. Now we must help him to be integrated into the template. He's fast, strong and with good ball pass".

Sergio Ramos and Pepe have extended their contracts

Today it has made ​official. Real Madrid has renewed the contracts of Pepe and Sergio Ramos. The Portuguese's has been extended to 2016 and Spanish's to 2017. Sergio Ramos is one of the captains of the template and came to Madrid in the 2004-05 season by an amount of 27 million euros. He was the first Spanish signing of the first era of Florentino Perez. The signing of Pepe (2007-08) was a record for a defender. He came from Porto by 30 million at the stage of Calderon (President) and Mijatovic (General manager).

The official announcement says: "Sergio Ramos and Pepe have extended their contracts with Real Madrid C.F. to the 2016/17 and 2015/16 seasons, respectively".

Sergio Ramos and Pepe

Real Madrid agrees to extend the contract of Pepe, a request for Mourinho who was willing to publicly call for his renewal. His performance in the field has been exceptional in the four seasons he has dressed in white, but has the problem of his many injuries, has played only 45% of minutes played by the white team. Pepe was one of the lowest paid players of the template (1.8 million euros per season) and now his salary is increased to 3.8

The impetus and the quality of Sergio Ramos have made him a key man in the template. He has alternated the position of central defender and right side with the different coaches he has had. Even played once as midfielder with Luxemburgo. Ramos rises from 3.5 to 4.5 million euros per season.

Sergio Ramos and Pepe woke up in Los Angeles knowing their contracts with Real Madrid had been extended. Both players were visibly happy with the news and were congratulated by all their teammates upon arriving to the UCLA training facilities.

Interview: Sergio Ramos

SERGIO RAMOS: "REAL MADRID NEEDED A COACH LIKE MOURINHO"

Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos talked, in an interview with Spanish journalists, about Real Madrid 2010-2011 season and about the club's targets for the next. He also spoke about his future and that of the Spanish national team.

Has Real Madrid been close to Barcelona this season newly finished?
I do not like to compare us with other teams. Barcelona has its style and philosophy of play. Ours is completely different, it’s something that Mourinho told. Bit by bit, you could see a more solid team that played better and that was capable of winning a title.

What is the target for Real Madrid in the Jose Mourinho's second year?
Real Madrid is obligated to fight for the four titles that is going to play for next season: Spanish Super Cup, Spanish Cup, League, and Champions League. That’s always a priority for this club.

Did you imagine that Mourinho’s impact would be so profound?
It was something that people could see coming, for all that occurs around him. There are few coaches that cause this kind of reactions. We are fortunate to work with him, for his experience, his titles... Real Madrid needed a coach like Mourinho, a reference with strong character and personality. You learn from him every day. He is always attentive with everything and helps you to improve each training day.

Are there two Mourinhos, one for the people and other for the players?
The image that he transmits is the only one, but the truth is that the closeness he has with the template is not something people can see when only have his images at press conferences or matches. He is a very direct person, loyal to his ideas and he wants the best for each player.

Has Mourinho transformed Sergio Ramos into a better defender?
The team worked very hard on the defensive aspect and the whole team has improved, not just me. The numbers are there. The defense is essential for a team. People must not only appreciate those who score goals.

What about your contract renewal?
When it is definitive, and everything is signed, you will know it, but it is not closed yet. There has been a very important rapprochement and the agreement is almost total. I am happy and I want to retire in this club. I am very happy in Real Madrid and I am not considering other thing than playing in white jersey.

And what about Aguero?
He is a player that makes differences.

It's been almost a year since you got that star for the Spanish national team. Has your life changed?
Yes, and I wear it with more pride each day. It cost us a lot. This star is result of the hard work and the dream of an entire life. But the titles shouldn’t change persons. We lived some unforgettable moments and I feel privileged because I have had incredible experiences, but we can not spend all day thinking about what we have already done.

Has something changed in the national team?
No. I am not an actor. I am a direct person and if a bad feeling had existed in the Spanish national team, I would say it.

Sergio Ramos: "We do not assume the favorite role"

Sergio Ramos did not want to assume the role of favorites in the semifinals of the Champions League that Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola, granted to Real Madrid. Ramos sent a message to the coach saying that "He is critical with a correct decision" referring to Guardiola's statements where he criticized the arbitration proceedings in the goal, clear offside, by Pedro in the Spanish Cup final.

Sergio Ramos: "I would like a game with no drama"

"We do not assume the role of favorites because I think it gets us nothing. If something has led us to success is simplicity, humility and work. And those are the values ​​that must be present", said Ramos.

A day before the third classic match, the Andalusian defense requested a match clean and without drama: "I would like a game with fair play, healthy, with no drama, and a referee that neither favours or harms anyone".

Ramos said that Real Madrid players will "give everything" and will leave the "soul" on the field and that the team is "closer than ever". "We are super excited for the moment we go through. We play a very important Champions League game and now is the time where we really have to show that true union".

He praised the level shown in the match League at Mestalla (3-6) by players who have fewer minutes lately: "They showed that not only are eleven or twelve major players, all of them offer their best game in the field".

Reported a change in attitude of the fans at the Bernabeu Stadium: "From the meetings of Lyon,Tottenham and Barcelona, was a change and we saw a crowd much more focused, with much more enthusiasm. They really have to get that first goal and that any team that comes to the Bernabeu note that afraid".

Real Madrid Girlfriends: Lara Alvarez (4)

Despite her youth, Lara Alvarez has extensive experience in television news programs. BA in Journalism from the 'Universidad Rey Juan Carlos', was collaborator of the live program "Hoy por tí" in "Telemadrid TV" as editor and publisher. Furthermore, the journalist worked as a presenter and editor of the economic program "Ahorro y Finanzas", in "Teleasturias" (2009). Her career also includes works for "Sony TV".

Currently, the Asturian journalist presents the weekends football program "Marca Gol" in "Marca TV", a program that collects information from the League (First and Second divisions).She also works with "LaSexta TV". The sports specialist will combine her work on the set with work as foot field reporter in broadcasting games.

Lara Alvarez

Interestingly, one of her most popular works was the role as Laura in the ad that launched MTV Spain in 2006 under the name "I Love Laura" where she was a member of the false music band "Happiness".

Although her relationship with Sergio Ramos has not been comfirmed by any of them, they have been photographed together on several occasions and there are rumors that the relationship began in late 2010.

Sergio Ramos and Lara Alvarez

League (Day 25): Players reactions

CASILLAS: "WE WERE SIMPLY UNLUCKY"

Iker Casillas

"We were simply unlucky. This is a setback because we weren't able to win. We tried hard and had our chances, especially in the second half. We also hit the post, but the ball didn't want to go int. That's football for you. We controlled the match, but if the ball doesn't go in, there is nothing we can do."

"Two matches later we find ourselves in the same situation. We must continue playing hard. There is no other option. Now me must focus on Malaga and not pay attention to what our rivals are doing. We don't control our own destiny, but we must win all our matches if we are to stand a chance of winning La Liga."

"This team has always fought and it will continue to do so until the end."

RAMOS: "THERE IS NO REASON TO BE UPSET WITH THE TEAM"

"There is no reason to be upset with the team. We went out their to win from the very start. We dominated the match in such a way that we deserved to win, but we were unable to score. We capitalized on the open space we had in the second half and we were more mobile, but we didn't score. It leaves a bad taste in our mouths after such an effort. La Liga is not lost; there are still a lot of matches left."

XABI ALONSO: "WE NEED TO WIN A LOT OF MATCHES"

"It's a shame. We had our chances, but the ball didn't want to go in. They are two valuable points that we are leaving here. We tried it every which way. You cannot lay blame on the team because we fought until the final whistle. Winning La Liga won't be easy, but a lot can change in football and we will not give up. We need to win a lot of matches."

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Sergio Ramos; Real Madrid player until 2017

Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid have virtually ended the contract renewal agreement of Seville defender which will join him at the white entity until 2017. It is estimated that the player will charge around four and a half million euros per season. Once announced the continuity of the Spanish international player, Pepe could be the next.

Sergio Ramos

Jose Mourinho agrees with the idea of the club and believes that Ramos must be one of the pillars on which to base the team's future. The substitution in Cornella (vs Espanyol), for some people a coach's punishment according to the supposed anarchy of the defender, was just a break. No hard feelings. It was demonstrated against Levante and Olympique Lyon, where he started on the right side.

Sergio Ramos arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2005, after paying 27 million euros. His performance has not gone unnoticed by big European clubs, some of them willing to shell out more money than white club paid to Sevilla.

The last to knock Real Madrid's door asking for Ramos have been Chelsea and Milan. Especially tempting was the offer of the Italian team. Milan offered Pato, one of its most important players. Both teams received the same answer: Sergio is already like a shield.

The renewal agreement has not been made official because the club is still looking for the right time. Once announced the continuation of Spanish, will be the turn of Pepe. In the club there is absolute confidence that the Portuguese will extend his contract. Sergio Ramos and Pepe will remain the team's defensive base for many years.

Cup Semifinals (1st Leg): Albiol, Ramos & Carvalho reactions

RAUL ALBIOL: “I REALLY THINK BALL DIDN'T GO IN”

The ‘ghost goal’ key player explained from his point of view the move: "The goal clearance was a very fast play. I threw myself on the ground and saw the ball on the goal-line. I don't believe it went in. It all happened very fast, which leaves room for doubt, but I really think it didn't go in".

About the game and the chances of reaching the final: "I am happy with the victory. We've taken an important step, but we still have to play another 90 minutes and Sevilla are a complicated opponent. We enjoyed ourselves tonight. We think about the possibility of reaching the final".

Raúl Albiol

SERGIO RAMOS: “WE EARNED A VERY IMPORTANT VICTORY” 

Sergio Ramos was very angry with the non-sporting incidents that happened during the match: “If something was wrong at the match, it was the hit to Casillas with a bottle. I'm happy for people who have tried to stop the insults against me. Those are acts that litter the game. It is not the first time this happens, we hope will be the last”.

The White defense was very pleased with the match made by Real Madrid and the result so beneficial: "We earned a very important victory in a complicated match. We concentrated hard and controlled the game. Sevilla tried to set their own pace to the clash but we managed to make them feel uncomfortable". "We earned a good result, but the tie hasn't been decided yet. We have yet to play the return leg at the Bernabeu and we will have to watch out for Sevilla because they can complicate things for us".

About Karim Benzema: "Benzema's goal wasn't a great surprise to us because we all know he is a great player. He has great quality and we hope he continues to score goals to help the team win more games".

RICARDO CARVALHO: "WE WANT TO PLAY THE FINAL”

The veteran Portuguese defender said that Real Madrid made a big away game, which is very important in two-legged ties: "We played well and we won. That's what matters, especially away from home". "We want to play the final, but we have to wait for that. There is still one game left for us to play at our stadium. That's where we'll have to seal our pass".

About the ‘ghost goal’: "It all happened very fast and I don't actually know if the ball went in or not. If I was pressed to choose, I'd say it didn't completely go over the line".

League (Day 19): Kaka and Ramos reactions

KAKA: "IT'S A PAIN SCORE, BUT I THINK IT IS NOT FINAL"

Kaka played as starter against Almeria

How have you seen your first game as starter in this season?
We have not been well and have not done essentially that is to win.

How have you felt on the pitch?
I have not been any better or worse than in other games. I'm slowly gathering pace and I'm feeling better. I have participated in good plays. The team was loose, and Almeria has made a great game and great effort. We have not been able to achieve success.

After this match, can we say that Madrid has lost the league?
Now we cannot lose another game, but we just finished the first round and championship is still much ahead. There is a match we have to play at home against Barcelona. This result is painful, but I do not think that is final. We still have a chance of overcoming the advantage that now leads Barcelona.

Do you think the referee has harmed the Real Madrid not whistling a possible penalty?
In the final leg of the match there were some controversial moves, but I was on the bench and I could not see. I'll have to see them repeatedly on television. I'd rather be sure of what happened before say.

What happened after the game in the incident that took Casillas and Vargas?
I do not know. I did not see what happened between them.

Was Mourinho angrily in the locker room after the match?
The coach was angry, but as we were all team players. Obviously, we are not at all happy with this result.


RAMOS: "THE DRAW IS BAD, BUT THE LEAGUE IS NOT LOST YET"

"I congratulate Almeria for a draw it has achieved. From now, we have to play the remaining games if they were finals. We have not to find excuses for the referees, but it is true that there was a clear penalty on Cristiano. There is still a lot of season ahead and we will continue working to achieve our objectives. It was a tense game. We must recognize that the result we got here is bad, but the league still is not lost. We are going to continue fighting; it still needs to play the entire second round. "

Sergio Ramos: "We can not afford to lose more points”

The competition does not stop, and Sergio Ramos is already thinking about the next match of Real Madrid, on Sunday, at 19.00 pm at the Mediterranean Games Stadium against Almeria. "It's an opponent that we know quite well. We must try to keep adding because unfortunately we do not depend on us. There is a team that is over".

Sergio Ramos talked about next match against Almeria

"We cannot afford to keep losing points" continues the defense, because the leader takes us two. Planting a loss of points both home and out would be, getting Barcelona a victory, an important difference. And obviously we're going out for victory".

Ramos notes, in Andalusian side, the figure of Piatti, "A player very fast, high quality and you cannot leave very little space. They are players who you have to anticipate and always be in contact with them, not let they face you with the ball under control because that's when you really looking for a problem".

Ramos is clear that "We are very fortunate to enjoy one of the best leagues in the world. If I have to stay with a player, I choose to Cristiano Ronaldo. We are fortunate to have him on our team, he is a great professional and for me is one of the best in the world".

Nor spares praise Kaka: "It's a great player who has had a hard time for the injury he had, but has seen the light at the end of the tunnel. I think it may be a key to the Real Madrid and provide many alternatives to Mourinho".

Ramos did not rule out the surprise of Malaga in the Nou Camp: "You never know, but the Hercules won recently. Everybody knows it is very difficult to scratch some point in the field of Barcelona".

Finally, he bid for Sevilla against Espanyol: "I know very well that field, team and if there is a difficult place across Spain, for the fans they have, which is unique and impressive, is the Sanchez Pijuan. Of course Sevilla can win Espanyol, though nobody doubts the great team that has the Espanyol".