Real Madrid

Aitor Karanka appeared for the media in the press room in Mestalla stadium. The Whites’ assistant coach analysed Real Madrid’s thrashing of Valencia in the second of three consecutive matches between the two sides: "During the season the boss has explained repeatedly that what is being done is that we are trying to improve, sometimes in public and others in the dressing room. We are on a good run and today the team showed they can do. We must keep improving and because that is how you build confidence".

The former Whites’ player also spoke about the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final, which takes place on Wednesday in Mestalla: "It will be a totally different match. There is the result of the previous match and the fans will be even more behind their team after today. We have to stick with the way we played on Tuesday at the Bernabeu and even more so with how we did today. We have to keep improving and with the confidence and the desire to repeat what was achieved last year. The matches will be different".

When asked about Di Maria great match, the Whites’ assistant coach praised the Argentine: "We all know him from the two and half years that he has been with us. It is true that if you look at the Di Maria that played in Pamplona, the other day for a while and that played today you realise that there is no issue physically. It is psychological. He has not been on his best form and today we saw the Di Maria that we all know and we all want to see".

Regarding Casillas and the four consecutive matches without conceding a goal he said: "There has never been a debate. Whenever a big player is not playing there is a debate. When Cristiano did not play, when Sergio Ramos did not play... Whenever we put out an eleven it is done for the good of the team and we try to win every match".

About the league and the chances of his team winning the title he said: "This club will never throw in the towel whilst there are points up for a grabs and there is still the possibility of winning. We have to win, not just to try to win the league but to pull away from the teams below us and for us to see our improvement". Finally, when asked about the officials, he said: "Today, Real Madrid have played and I do not think that we need to talk about anything else".