Since joining Real from Feyenoord in 2007, Drenthe failed to win the Real fans’ hearts despite being given a chance under the management of both Ramos and predecessor Bernd Schuster.

As for Marcelo, the Brazilian has always been accused of sloppy defending, which forces Ramos to rather count on the services of Gabriel Heinze at left-back.

"We must all show them our support because they are players who can help us a lot on the flanks," said Ramos after the Deportivo game.

"We are working to ensure that they regain their form physically and mentally so that they can contribute to the team."

Important win

After beating Deportivo, Ramos considered that winning is more important than producing attractive displays at this stage of the season.

"The most important thing is to win our games although we always try to play our best football.

"But at the moment, it is obligatory to be satisfied with a narrow victory.

"We were quite good in the first half, but in the second, we let our guard down a little. But in the end, we secured the three points and we have to be content with that."

Title race

Despite being 12 points adrift of league leaders Barcelona, Ramos stated that all options are still opened for his team.

“There is still a long way to go in La Liga and many points to be won.

“The main objective is to continue adding three points to our tally and five or six more rounds from now, we will evaluate our position again and see what options we have.”