Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists “if I were James Rodriguez, I’d stay at this great club” as Gareth Bale’s injury possibly lets in the Colombian.
James has made just five starts for Madrid all season, with one of those coming in the Copa del Rey against third-tier Cultural Leonesa, amidst continued speculation about his future, but Zidane rejected the idea that he had not given the midfielder a fair crack of the whip.
“Injuries? It’s complicated. The people who work here do everything they possibly can, but there are times when we can’t do anything,” the Coach said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Sporting Gijon in La Liga.
“Things like these happen. It’s true that it bothers you when you lose a player. In the case of Bale, he’s going to be out for a while, but we’ll go our way.
“Sporting? It’s a difficult game after the last two, in which we had to give a lot.
“We were tired from them, we’ll need some energy [on Sunday], but we’ve recovered a bit. Sporting will be more difficult than people think.
“Varane? He has pain in his knee after recent games and, as always, I don’t want to risk him. It’s something we have no control over.
“He must think about returning, but hopefully he recovers soon. He took a knock and we won’t risk him but I think that in two or three days, he’ll be better.
“Benzema? He has to always pass a test, the whole world has to, but perhaps he has to more than others.
“I don’t know how many years he’s been here or how many goals he’s scored, but he always has to prove himself.
“But it’s what he faces every day, it is what it is and he’s aware of it, even if it’s more so than others.
“I say he has to keep going and above all that everything he does is for him and the team. After that, there will always be criticism, but we won’t change that.
“Pepe and Casemiro? They’ve recovered, we’re happy. James? The door is open to everyone and James is ready to play.
“It’s not true that he never plays. I don’t agree that he’s played so little.
“If I were him, I’d stay at this great club. He’s going to get minutes. It’s not a matter of attitude, I have to make decisions. I think he’ll get minutes.
“It’s true that he’s a player of our calibre, he’s very good and we know what he can offer. The first player that wants to play more is him.
“He’ll be important and get minutes. It wasn’t his moment in recent games. The others are also doing very well, but for me he’s an important player.
“Alternatives for Bale? Some may think that we’re going to change things, but we won’t change the dynamics of what we do on the pitch.
“We have many players that can play in many positions on the pitch. That’s the great thing about this team.
“Ramos, one card away from a ban? He’ll have to play [on Saturday]. I’m not thinking about that card.
“We have a game [on Saturday] that needs thinking about Barcelona and I hope it works out.
“Coentrao’s criticism? I think he was too hard on himself. I also I see him getting better, the only thing is that he’s picked up an adductor problem and won’t be with us [on Saturday].
“I’m here to help him. He has to understand that there are still many months of the season and it’s normal to have less confidence, but he’d been working fine.
“I would’ve liked to give him minutes [on Saturday], but I can’t now. Still, he’s recovering and I have a lot of faith in him. We’re all here to help him.
“Decision on Bale’s surgery? All the doctors who we consulted said he had to undergo an operation and that’s what he’ll do.
“Casemiro a starter? He’s fine, so I think he will be. Kovacic? The key is to work and he always has, he’s always done well when we’ve needed him.
“He’s had his chance, it’s not been easy because when you only play a little, it can be difficult, but he’s played and played very well.
“Madrid’s demands? I know what Madrid are about. When you play regularly, there’s always going to be criticism.
“I love winning, I’m a winner, we play to win. We’re lucky enough to make people dream.
“I’m aware [of what’s asked of me] and I’m very motivated. I’m lucky to have a great squad.”
