Ramos: The key to our success is unity

Real Madrid centre-back, Sergio Ramos is confident in his side’s chances in their crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against France on Tuesday evening in Saint-Dennis, as he feels their unity is what makes them such a successful team.

In his pre-match press conference, Ramos spoke about their approach to Tuesday’s match and will not allow Friday’s 1-1 draw against Finland dictate their performance.



“We’ll have to wait to see who’s in France’s starting team. What’s taken us to success is our philosophy, and we can’t change that.



“We’re a great national team; we’ve proved it in El Calderón. We don’t need to change.



“The Spanish national team has many alternatives and they shouldn’t be noticeable. The other day, against Finland, we didn’t know how to finish it off. It doesn’t motivate us more. We always want to win, we would have like to add a victory, of course, but we’re professionals, we move on from the bad things and we always keep in mind that we want to win and that we want to transmit that feeling.”



“The defence or any other position does not affect anything. The key to our success is unity and group strength.



“Football doesn’t have a memory, you need to prove who you are on a daily basis, what happened yesterday is of no use. No one is going to change that we’ve won two European Cups and a World Cup, no one has ever done that, you don’t beat anyone because of a coat of arms, you win because of the excitement, and we’re on the ideal track.”



Ramos, who will earn his 101st cap against France, has insight into opponent, Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema.



“Knowing Benzema so well might benefit us in this game, undoubtedly he’s a great football player, and you can’t get distracted for a minute because he might score a goal.”



Ramos concluded by discussing the return of Xavi and the absense of captain and Real Madrid teammate, Iker Casillas.



“The captain’s words show values that Xavi and Iker represent. Xavi has made a huge effort to be here and Iker has travelled here. No one doubts that he’ll return soon.”