Midfielder Isco has reminded boss Carlo Ancelotti that he is not James Rodriguez’s understudy at Real Madrid.
The former Malaga player, who is in Bulgaria preparing for Los Blancos’ Champions League clash with Ludogorets, told a Press conference that there is no reason why he can’t play alongside the Colombian international.
“James has great quality and brings a lot to the team and I believe we could work well together. He’s a great player,” asserted Isco.
The attacking midfielder has found a regular place in Ancelotti’s side hard to come by in recent times, but admits he is aware of what is required.
“We know there is great competition for places here and we have to play wherever we are asked. The boss wants me to help out defending and that’s what I’m doing, because if I want to play I realise I have to do that. People recognise I’m good with the ball at my feet and now I have to try to defend a bit better.
“I began last season in the first team but nobody remembers that. However, I’m like every other player in that I always want to play. I want to be in the starting line-up whenever the boss wants me there,” explained the 22-year-old.
Isco acknowledged the Ludogorets tie could well prove tricky, although he conceded he does not know too much about Madrid’s Bulgarian opponents.
“This is the Champions League and there are no easy games. But we’ll go out with the same mentality, which is to win, respect the opposition and put ourselves at the head of the group.
“I don’t know too much about Bulgarian football, apart from the defender who saved however many penalties in a shoot-out, and that Ludogorets gave Liverpool some problems,” he admitted.
