Real Madrid’s history without Sergio Ramos would be very different. The Spanish defender is rightfully one of the greatest ever players in the club’s history and was the captain of the team that conquered and dominated world football in the last decade.
While he was indeed a skilled defender and reader of the game, some Ramos will remember him as a ‘Master of the Dark Arts’, especially in terms of physicality and fouls.
The best example is the 2018 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool where Ramos’ challenge led to Mohammed Salah’s shoulder injury.
Klopp raises questions about Ramos
Speaking in a recent interview with Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp turned the clock back to that UEFA Champions League final and questioned Ramos’ character.
He asked the midfield legend if the defender was indeed a good guy and explained how he never understood a player’s necessity to be that overtly reckless and physical.
“Is Mr. Sergio Ramos really a good guy? He’s not my favourite player. The action was brutal. Of course, he can’t know that it’s bothering his shoulder, but we all know that he accepted it very happily,” said Klopp.
“I could never understand that mentality, I never had players like that and, when I did, I made sure they left,” he added.
Kroos immediately defended the Spanish legend saying he was a very good teammate, but Klopp was unconvinced by the response.
“He may not be my favourite player, but it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Finally, he concluded with another dig towards Ramos, saying he felt his defenders never had to fall to that level.
“I always thought that my centre-backs were good enough not to be involved in actions like that.”
Source: ESPN