Deportivo La Coruna vs Real Madrid preview - Mourinho ideal for Madrid - Ramos

Sergio Ramos believes Jose Mourinho's "very direct" approach makes him the ideal man to lead Real Madrid as they head into the crucial phase of their season.

Real trail Barcelona by five points in the Primera Division, and that could be up to eight points by the team Mourinho's team kick off at the Riazor against Deportivo La Coruna.

Barcelona face Real Mallorca immediately prior to Real's match.

Ramos is confident that, in Mourinho, Real have a coach who will keep the players united whatever the circumstances.

"Mourinho has a good relationship with everybody and has given this team stability that it didn't have in other seasons," Ramos told www.realmadrid.com.

"On a personal level you can learn a lot from a manager like Mourinho because of his experience and also because he is very direct with his players. I'm very happy to be working with him."

A 1-1 draw with Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday was not ideal for Real, particularly after they went ahead.

But the performance of former Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who came off the bench to score the 100th goal of his career, was pleasing for Mourinho.

And considering Benzema scored twice in the away match at Deportivo last season, including a strike following a remarkable backheel from Guti, as Real ended an 18-year wait for a win at the Riazor, the Frenchman could be pushing to start the match.

"He is fit to be a starter at Real Madrid," Mourinho said.

"He has made progress on all aspects of the game.

"I felt bad for benching him at the start (against Lyon) because this was his homecoming, but it was better for him to come on in the second half."

One player who will certainly be absent for Real is midfielder Sami Khedira who tore a muscle in his left thigh and has been ruled out until mid-March.

Andres Guardado returns from injury for Deportivo, and the Mexican is taking an upbeat approach to the visit of the capital giants.

"We can beat anyone. On paper they are favourites but we know what we can do at home. We expect to have a good game, knowing that the Riazor will be with us."

Deportivo head into the weekend with three points separating them from the relegation zone.

They were crushed 6-1 at the Bernabeu in October, but Guardado said: "We're not looking for revenge for the 6-1 defeat, but we want to pick up points for the situation we are in.

"We respect Real Madrid a lot but want to show a lack of respect on the field and win in a good manner."