Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo has blanked questions over coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Ronaldo has been missing for some weeks with an ankle injury, which has coincided with a dismal run of form for Real.

Asked by Sport-Express about the pressure Pellegrini is under, Ronaldo said: "Any controversy is only people's opinions. I don't think the players should be involved in discussing this. The players must work.

"I'm sure that in the near future we will do better. Give us half a year and you will see a great team."

Ronaldo, meanwhile, insists he is happy playing in a more central role at Real.

"'I acted as a winger for many years, now I'm getting used to a central role. Yes, it's unusual for me and for others. I'm very happy to be in this team." On the differences between playing for Manchester United and Real, Ronaldo admits the pressure from fans is something he is still getting used to.

"I live in a quiet area in Madrid where nothing much happens," he says.

"Football is the same, as is the attention from the press and from fans. I like it.

"The fans are different here (Madrid). At Real, psychological pressure on the players is much more serious than at United. This is good. At many clubs you don't know the consequence of playing badly.

"At big clubs, the pressure from the fans is colossal, and Real Madrid are first on the list of big clubs."