Real Madrid boss singled out Sergio Ramos and Kaka after Real Madrid's 4-1 Champions League defeat of Ajax.
Ronaldo hit a hat trick in the Amsterdam victory but Mourinho was especially pleased with Ramos, who returned to his preferred centre back role having been at loggerheads with the Portuguese tactician recently, and Kaka, who excelled on his first start of the season.
“He [Ramos] played very well,” Mourinho began in his post-match Press conference. “My job is to get players to perform, and he has had three very good performances since being left on the bench against Manchester City.
“These questions you ask and a Coach can't reply…” the former Chelsea figurehead responded when asked if Kaka or Mesut Ozil would start against Barcelona on Sunday.
“All I can say is that today one played and the other was on the bench. I decided this would be a good match for the characteristics of Kaka and as a result of his minutes in the friendly against Millionaros and his 45 minutes against Deportivo La Coruna.
“For me it isn't a problem, its my job to choose who plays.”
Real dominated the game at the Amsterdam Arena but did have some nervy moments when Ajax threatened an equaliser with the score at 2-1.
“I really liked our performance, other than the 15 minutes after their goal. They grew up and took confidence, but after our third goal everything went back to normal. The team is improving”
Ramos, who apparently apologised for his disruptive behaviour in a team meeting before the game, said that 'the issue is fully resolved.'
“I feel completely happy again, now we have strung together some victories. The best thing for the team is to continue in this dynamic. It was an important victory at a difficult venue, and now we face El Clasico, a game that is always different.”
Mourinho's counterpart Frank de Boer was disappointed with his young side's showing. The Dutch champions have now lost five times to Real in the Champions League over the course of the last two years, conceding 16 and scoring only once.
“We played pretty bad,” the former Dutch international confessed.
“We did not reach our level. With the score at 1-2 we created a bit of danger, but they deserved to win.”
De Boer, a former Barcelona player, admitted he prefers the Blaugrana's style of play to that of their arch rivals, but did express his admiration for Los Blancos' rapid counter attacks.
“I see Madrid and Barca at the same level. I like watching Barca's style of play, but the transition of Madrid makes them very dangerous.”
