Robinho needs to be happy, says Schuster

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster on Tuesday jumped to the defence of under-fire Brazilian playmaker Robinho.

The former Santos forward hit the headlines last week after arriving back late for training following international duty with Brazil, and accusations that he had allegedly been enjoying himself in a Rio nightclub with Barcelona forward Ronaldinho.

But while he may be hit with a fine or suspension by his Spanish club for his antics, their German coach Schuster is publicly backing the mercurial talent.

"Robinho is a player who needs to be happy, with neither pressure nor responsibilities," said Schuster ahead of Wednesday's Champions League top of the table clash against Greek side Olympiakos.

"I also think we are yet to see the real Robinho, we need to give him this (peaceful) platform so he can express himself and succeed."

On Monday Real had announced they were opening a disciplinary inquiry into the behaviour of the club's two Brazilian forwards, the other being Julio Baptista, after they both arrived back in Madrid late following Brazil's 5-0 victory over Ecuador.

The Brazilian press had reported that Robinho and several Brazil team-mates organised a party in a Rio nightclub to celebrate the victory.

Both Robinho and Baptista were dropped from the Real squad for Saturday's defeat at Espanyol but have been included for the visit of the Greek champions.

"It was my motive for talking with them. We're going to try to control a little bit better these things and help them in orgnaising their travel plans," added Schuster.