Middlesbrough coach Aitor Karanka has defended his decision to drop Ghana winger Albert Adomah from the starting line-up that suffered their first defeat of the season to Bristol City in the English Championship over the weekend.
The Ghanaian, who is a key player for the side, was started from the bench in the defeat to Championship newcomers City at the Riverside despite being key in their successes in all their previous matches this season.
However, the Spaniard coach chose to make changes in other areas with David Nugent, Christian Stuani and Yanic Wildschut all drafted in at the expense of in-form Diego Fabbrini, Albert Adomah and Kike.
The changes did not have the desired effect and, by the time Fabbrini, Adomah and Kike were introduced in the second half, City were already 1-0 up and in a position of strength.
"Albert Adomah has played four games in a row and I think maybe he was tired and so I gave him a rest," Karanka said.
"As the coach, I have to look at all the players and see how they are in training and try to pick the best 11 for the game. Always you have to try to pick the best team you can."
The Riverside crowd were calling for Adomah and Kike to be brought on before half time, but Karanka stood his ground, insisting: "The crowd sing the names of players who they think should play, but always I have to try to pick players who I think are best for the game."
Despite fielding an array of attacking talent, Boro were unable to break down a stubborn City defence and slipped to their first defeat of the season.
Steve Cotterill's side's 1-0 victory was their first since their return to the Championship, after being promoted as League One champions last season.
Joe Bryan grabbed the only goal as City, who had collected just one point from their previous three contests, claimed the spoils.
But many Boro fans were left bemused by the absences of Ben Gibson, Albert Adomah, Kike and Diego Fabbrini from the starting line-up at the Riverside yesterday.