Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has defended boss Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese came under-fire for his selection policies.
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Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos returned to Madrid's line-up on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo in the Copa Del Rey.
Mourinho has copped flak in recent weeks because of his team selections having left out club captain Casillas as well as changing the whole defensive back-line.
This, along with his decision not to attend the FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony earlier this week.
But Los Blancos number two Karanka has defended Mourinho's decisions following their midweek triumph.
"It is something that we have talked about since we've come back from holidays," said Karanka.
"Casillas has made good saves, Cristiano has scored three goals and that's what we ask of our players, that they are at the highest level.
"We work to pick the 11 that will give the best performance."
He also defended Mourinho's choice not to attend the awards ceremony, where he was nominated as FIFA Manager of the Year for 2012, opting to spend time with his son.
"The manager said it, the fans do what they believe. He is in charge of working and getting the best for Real Madrid," Karanka added.
"Being with him you are aware of what he does. And if the fans whistle it's because they are not happy. We are here to work and that's the way we've done it for the last two-and-a-half years".
"He hasn't been caught out (with FIFA), he said he had to work and that's what he did.
"Later he went to see his son and in this life there is nothing more beautiful than being with your son after completing your obligations and he had completed them."
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