Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid forward's comments on teammates criticised by Barcelona chief

Barcelona vice president Jordi Mestre has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for rounding on his own teammates, saying players at the Nou Camp would never put themselves above the team.

Portugal forward Ronaldo attacked several of Real's squad players after the 1-0 home defeat against Atletico Madrid on 27 February – a result that all but ended his team's La Liga title hopes.

With Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Pepe absent through injury, Ronaldo was unable to inspire his team to mount a comeback after Antoine Griezmann gave the visitors the lead early in the second half.

"I'm not saying the others like Lucas [Vazquez], Jese and [Mateo] Kovacic are not good players - they are very good players - but it's not the same," the 31-year-old was quoted as saying by Sky Sports after the match.

"I don't want to disrespect anyone, but when the best players aren't available it's harder to win. I like to play with Karim [Benzema], with Bale, with Marcelo.

"If we were all at my level, maybe we would be leaders."

Real are 12 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and four points behind city rivals Atletico.

'Comments about fitness'

After watching Barcelona come from behind to beat Sevilla 2-1, Mestre told Marca: "Our team's players would never say what Cristiano said. The club monitors a lot of things before signing players.

"Honestly, I could not imagine one of our players saying what Cristiano said.

"I wanted a draw in the Madrid derby, which is what would have suited us best, but for myself in particular I always like it when Real Madrid lose."

Ronaldo later sought to clarify his comments, saying he was only talking about fitness levels and not ability.

"When I say that, I am talking about my fitness level, not my level as a player. I am no better than any of my teammates," the former Manchester United player told Marca.