B/R Interview: Fernando Morientes on Cristiano Ronaldo, Ancelotti and Zidane

In the galaxy of stars who have represented Real Madrid in recent years, Fernando Morientes shines bright. During eight seasons at the Casa Blanca, the Spanish striker scored 72 goals, lifted two Primera Division titles and helped deliver three Champions League titles—including the club's first in over three decades.

Morientes, now 39, also enjoyed a fruitful spell partnering David Villa at Valencia, and he made his way to the Premier League for a stint with Liverpool.

Bleacher Report caught up with the highly decorated former forward during an event at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro to discuss his career, his future plans and his opinions on Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo...     

Bleacher Report: Who do you feel is a bigger Real Madrid icon—Cristiano Ronaldo or Raul?

Fernando Morientes: Raul is a legend and will be all his life. He came through the Madrid youth ranks, and that is something that Cristiano will never have. [Ronaldo] will beat all the records and will be remembered throughout history, but the true fans will always admire Raul for what he achieved, his love of the club and the career he dedicated to Real Madrid.

REMY DE LA MAUVINIERE/Associated Press

B/R: Madrid are obviously renowned for their "Galactico" signings. Do you think that Karim Benzema is of a comparable quality to the players around him?

FM: It’s a very big responsibility to wear the No. 9 shirt at Real Madrid, but at the same time, that player can feel proud that they are being trusted with the job of scoring. Benzema is surrounded by great players, but of course, great players need equally great players around them to perform at their best.

B/R: Is Carlo Ancelotti still the best man for the job?

FM: Yes, he is. Ancelotti has proven himself by winning in Italy, France, England and Spain. It takes a special coach to work at such a high level; to manage the egos of the dressing room. Ancelotti receives criticism now because Real Madrid fans typically have short memories. This is not a bad thing; it’s just that they always want to win trophies.

B/R: What’s your favourite Champions League memory?

FM: The three Champions League wins with Real Madrid were all very special, but the best was the first win in 1998, when [Predrag] Mijatovic scored the winner against Juventus at the Amsterdam Arena. It had been 32 years since the club had last won the European Cup, and I helped them win it in my first season.

B/R: Who is the best player you ever shared a team with?

FM: I played with Raul, Luis Figo, David Beckham, Roberto Carlos and many other great players, but Zinedine Zidane was absolutely wonderful.

Not only was he full of surprises during games but also in training. I’ve been in many training sessions in which other players have had to stop and applaud him. He did things I had never seen before; there was no other player who was so technically gifted. It was quite a sight to see him train.

KOJI SASAHARA/Associated Press

B/R: You were cup-tied for Liverpool’s famous Champions League win in 2005. How did it feel to miss out on an occasion like that?

FM: I knew when I signed with Liverpool that I would not be able to play in the Champions League. But I was in the stands, and it was very special to see that moment and share it with the rest of the team.

B/R: Did you enjoy working with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool?

FM: I like him as a coach, but I didn’t play at my best with him. He was very methodical, paying attention to every little detail and talking a lot to the players, but ultimately I performed better under coaches like Vicente del Bosque or Didier Deschamps.

PAUL ELLIS/Associated Press

B/R: Are you interested in moving into management?

FM: I spent two years with Real Madrid’s U18s, and I’ve spent this year watching training at Real, Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid…discovering the different methodologies. I wouldn’t object to going abroad to coach a team but only if the project interests me for non-financial reasons.

B/R spoke with Fernando Morientes at Heineken’s UEFA Champions League #ChampionTheMatch event. Follow #ChampionTheMatch with @Heineken on Twitter and Facebook during every UEFA Champions League match week. Join Heineken for Barcelona vs. PSG and #ChampionTheMatch with Geremi Njitap.