Real Madrid central defender Christ of Metzelder highlighted this Wednesday just how hard the team was working under the direction of new first team coach Juande Ramos.

Ramos was named Real Madrid coach eight days ago following the surprise sacking of Bernd Schuster last Tuesday and Metzelder says he has already noticed a change.

Real Madrid beat Zenit Saint Petersburg 3-0 in Ramos' first game in charge and last Saturday an injury hit side battled bravely before losing 2-0 to Barcelona in the Camp Nou stadium.

The new coach has stepped up the training schedule at the club and insists that the players also eat at their Valdebebas training ground in an effort to ensure they are all at peak fitness.

Metzelder told sports paper Marca that Ramos' arrival has brought a change for the better.

"He has made an effort to talk to all of the players, with those who have been first choice and with the substitutes. He has explained the way that he sees football and he has tried to get everyone working hard," said Metzelder.

"With Juande we all train very hard and that is a big advantage for me," he added.

Nevertheless with Real Madrid now trailing Primera Liga leaders Barcelona by 12 points, the big defender admitted it would not be easy for his side to end the season as Champions.

"It is a big gap. I think it is possible to pull back the difference, because last season we once had a 12 point lead that was reduced down to two, but we know it is difficult."

"At the moment it is tough, but nothing is impossible in football," said Metzelder.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2008)