Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has lavished praise on head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian boss has led Los Blancos to the Copa del Rey title this season, while they hold a 1-0 advantage from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.

The La Liga title also remains a possibility, but they are currently six points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, albeit with a game in hand.

"He's a great person, very loving, simple and humble," Mundo Deportivo quotes Ramos as saying.

"His good nature is contagious and he's very close to us. He's not just a coach and we have the greatest respect for him. Carlo is a very quiet person. He's friendly and likes to joke. He could be a friend outside work.

"The coach understands our work. He knows what it's like being a football since he has played too. He knows how to win trophies and when something is wrong with a player. We are very pleased with his philosophy and way of working. He has the full support of the team and we're safe and confident in his methods."

Los Blancos face Bayern in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.