Zinedine Zidane has backed James Rodriguez and believes he is an important part of the squad. The Columbian has come under severe criticism this season and was even rumoured to be unsettled at the club.
But the Frenchman has come out to defend him publicly and believes the playmaker is not in a bad run of form
“I don’t see James in a run of bad form or anything. He’s an important player. It’s true that I have 24 players and I have to choose 11. Later I have to make changes but it seems as though we’re always expected to use three substitutes.”
Isco and Rodrigues have been rotated constantly since Zidane took charge as he struggles to find the right balance in the squad. But the 43-year-old said he makes the changes when he needs to and not because he has to.
“If I see it as necessary because I need to change something then I will. James is important for us and the game he played, he played well and he scored. Of course he wants to play more and I agree with that. It’s the same with every player. My part in it is the most difficult job for a coach, when I have to make decisions.”
Zidane also spoke about Raphael Varane and his influence on the team. The defender has not been a regular this season, as he, Pepe and Nacho have shared the duties alongside Sergio Ramos. But Varane has probably been the most consistent of the three.
“I think he’s playing well. For me every game is important. He has shown that he can play for France as well. It’s true that when he was injured he struggled a bit when he came back, but he’s very focused and very professional. He always wants to improve. It’s extraordinary. He’s in good shape and I’m happy to have him available.”
Zidane on the title run in
Real Madrid have only one home game left out of the remaining four and supposedly have the toughest run of fixtures compared to their title rivals but Zidane remains optimistic of their chances.
“We haven’t got the worst run-in, we’ve got the one we’ve got. There will be difficult games, we’ve got three away and one at home against Valencia, who are a good side. We’ve got four games left, we know what we have to do and we’re going to try and win them all.”
