Manchester City boss Mark Hughes stands by his decision to drop Robinho to the bench for their home defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

Hughes said: "It was the right time to give him a rest. We haven't really had the opportunity to take him out of the firing line. This year he has played a lot of games compared to the last two seasons.

"He has been criticised on certain occasions for his performances but those criticisms have not been at the right level. They have been a little bit unrealistic.

"On other occasions, among others, his performances have been poor and he has been rightly criticised.

"There will be a lot of focus on his play and his commitment to the team because his profile is high. That happens every single day and we understand that because of how he is."