In an interview with El Heraldo, former Colombia team manager Francisco Pancho Maturana declares James Rodriguez has no place left in Real Madrid in regards to the midfielder's situation.
Maturana goes on to say that "James Rodriguez doesn't have a spot at Real Madrid, it's that simple. He'll continue to be second choice." Despite Rodriguez's talent, the situation is already out of his hands and nothing will change to get him more playing time. Maturana adds that "James is the product of an unnecessary purchase, simply to be part of that momentary boom they bought a player who they could do without and who could have been as important as Cristiano or Bale in any other team," as per AS.
But Zinedine Zidane continues to assert that James Rodriguez is better situated in Real Madrid than anywhere else. During a press conference before Sporting Gijon's visit to Bernabeu, Zidane explains that if he were James, "I would not go. I would stay at this excellent club. He is going to get minutes. It's not true to say he never gets playing time," as per AS.
Maturana disagrees and suggests the best option for Rodriguez is to leave Real Madrid and find another. The ex-Colombia manager says that while he believed James Rodriguez could have proved himself in Real Madrid, the current structure of the club is no longer conducive for him. Among Colombians, many hope that Rodriguez can leave Real Madrid so he can play more regularly somewhere else and help the country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, per Marca.
