Zidane offers support for James Rodriguez

Andy West 04:35 05/03/2016
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  • Facing scrutiny: James Rodriguez.

    Zinedine Zidane has leapt to the defence of under-fire James Rodriguez ahead of his Saturday’s meeting with Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu.

    The last few months have seen James become a scapegoat for Real’s disappointing season, with the Colombian criticised in the media and whistled by the crowd during last week’s 1-0 home loss to rivals Atletico Madrid.

    James has been criticised for an alleged lack of effort, especially with his defensive duties when tracking full-backs. While he has also been accused of enjoying Madrid’s nightlife too much rather than focusing on his football, and generally allowing himself to get out of shape.

    Zidane hasn’t shown complete faith in the 24-year-old, leaving him on the bench on several occasions and substituting him in others.

    All the current signs suggest James is on course to follow the likes of Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil by becoming the latest high-profile star to be forced out of the club, but Zidane insists he remains an important player.

    “I think James has been treated unfairly,” said Zidane. “It bothers me when people speak badly of him because he is my player and he is committed to the cause.”

    However, Zidane also hinted that he expects a higher level of performance, adding: “The players are well aware that when they play well, they will get lots of nice things said about them.”

    One major positive for Zidane is the return to fitness of Gareth Bale, who has been named in the matchday squad after six weeks out with a calf injury.

    However, Zidane suggested the flying Welshman may have to be content with a place on the bench as he said: “He is back in the squad and that is great news for everyone. “But he has been out for some time and we have to go step by step.”

    Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal are also in contention, but there is some negative news with Toni Kroos joining fellow central midfielder Luka Modric on the sidelines after suffering a bout of flu. That will mean a second successive start for Brazilian Casemiro.

    Eduardo Berizzo’s Celta lie sixth and have been buoyed by the return of Spanish international Nolito, who spent two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

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