Santiago Solari said Sergio Ramos was caught out by "tricky" questioning after his controversial yellow card in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League.
The 32-year-old defender was booked in the 89th minute at the Johan Cruijff ArenA and initially admitted he took the caution on purpose.
His confession led to UEFA opening an investigation to establish whether he had taken the punishment to ensure he would serve any suspension before the quarter-finals, should Madrid advance.
Ramos subsequently back-tracked , saying his intention was to force a foul not a ban, and Solari accepted his captain's explanation.