Aitor Karanka says Real Madrid should stand by coach Zinedine Zidane.

The Frenchman is under huge pressure after a poor start to the season and this week's 3-0 humbling at Champions League opponents PSG.

But Karanka, a former Real defender and also assistant coach to Jose Mourinho, told AS: "Football goes very fast. When Zidane won the Champions League things were not going so well in the Liga and in the end there are always criticisms. And more in Madrid.

"It is clear that this team has won a lot and has been reinforced. Now he's having a bad time with injuries, but he's a coach with three Champions Leagues and great players. He will be in the fight."

On Mourinho, he added: "He is waiting. This is new to him."

Asked if Mourinho could return, Karanka added: "We are in September and there is a world ahead. Zidane has won three European Cups and some credit must be given."