Ramos denies Guti has been frozen out

The Real Madrid boss is adamant that he does not have a problem with the experienced midfielder after reports suggested the pair had a bust-up in training last week.

Despite leaving Guti out on several occasions and using him as a substitute on many others, Ramos stated that he would happily choose him when the occasion was right.

"Guti was not called up because I decided not to do that. For that game, I felt other players would be better. My job is to choose the best team," he told Onda Madrid.

"Each player has a different character, but they must all be treated equally. Players are left out and they are included.

"I have not finished with anyone."

Reflecting on the race for the title, Ramos refuted allegations that Madrid are too defensively-minded.

"Barca are recording some results that are difficult to match. We have to raise our game because there is a team above us and all we can do is keep playing the way we have been," he continued.

"If we had flagged at all, then the league title race would have been over a long time ago. But if we can do what we have been doing then Barcelona will find it difficult.

"Barcelona are playing at an unattainable level for many and that is the problem, the comparisons with them."

"For the situation the team is in, our performances have been excellent. We are the highest scoring Madrid team after that of John Toshack's. They say we are defensive just for something to say.

"In our last 13 matches we have won 12 and drawn one. What more can we do?"

Ramos was then asked about the success of Lassana Diarra and revealed that he has been a fan of the former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder for a long time. "I asked Tottenham to sign him," he added.