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Setien: Jese struggling with expectation ahead of Bernabeu return

Having failed to score since joining Las Palmas, it has been suggested that too much is being expected of Jese Rodriguez.
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Setien: Jese struggling with expectation ahead of Bernabeu return
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Jese Rodriguez has been struggling with the weight of expectation since his move to Las Palmas, according to head coach Quique Setien.

The 24-year-old has endured a difficult return to LaLiga after moving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain last month, with Las Palmas losing all four of the league matches he has started.

Jese is yet to score for his new club and managed only one goal in his spell in Ligue 1, adding to the scrutiny of the forward's form as he prepares to face Real Madrid on Wednesday for the first time since leaving last August.

Undue pressure

Jese posing for a photograph during an interview with Las Palmas.
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Jese posing for a photograph during an interview with Las Palmas.DANI SANCHEZDIARIO AS

Setien feels he has been put under undue pressure by fans since signing for his boyhood club, but insists he is happy with Jese's contribution to the team.

"I hope his return is positive. He scored a lot of goals here [at the Santiago Bernabeu]. We hope that he breaks his goalless run," said Setien.

"He's doing very well. He has managed to find good physical condition again. He is every excited and feels like he has a real responsibility.

Jese strikes at goal during a game against Real Sociedad.
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Jese strikes at goal during a game against Real Sociedad.Jesús de LeónDIARIO AS

Return to the island

"The island has put a lot of expectation on him and that's not a positive thing. When he scores his first goal, a lot more will follow.

"I ask him to work as he does every other day. Running in defence is what's most important to me, more than if he doesn't score goals.

"What he does is commendable. He'll win the praise of everyone like that."

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