Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that Isco and James Rodriguez can both play together ahead of Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid in La Liga on Wednesday.
Gareth Bale’s probable absence for the match at Vallecas has left a sizeable void in Los Blancos’ XI, but the Coach believes the midfield duo are capable of complementing each other for the benefit of the team.
“Isco is a great player, he has shown himself to be one all season. I said before he’s non-negotiable,” he said at a Press conference.
“I have the best squad in the world at my disposal and I’m confident we’ll be alright at the end of the season.
“We have a match every three days until early March, so rotations will be necessary. It may be that one of the BBC will be rested for a match.
“I know not all the fans are with [Iker] Casillas. He’s used to this but it won’t affect him because he’s the best in the world.
He’s motivated to keep working hard [although Keylor Navas will start against Elche at the weekend].
“[Isco and James Rodriguez] can both play because they’ve done so many times. We have a problem with [Gareth] Bale, who has bruised his left foot.
“Now we must wait [for an update on his condition], but it’s not a debate between Isco and James.
“It’s fortunate that a Coach can choose from an ideal squad. I’m blessed to have this problem.
“It’s not true that one player is more important than the other [referring to Isco and James]. It’s true that James has done very well in his first year, but Isco has also enjoyed an impressive run [in the team].
“It’s difficult to know what’s best for the team, but I can say that [both Isco and James] are complete players because they can play several positions on the pitch. I’m lucky to have them both.
“Like the others, [Sami Khedira] has improved his physical condition. He’s feeling good and if I need him I’ll use him because he’s shown great professionalism.”
