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REAL MADRID

James didn't receive support at Madrid, says Pékerman

Colombia coach José Pékerman said that Real Madrid didn't give James Rodríguez the support to make him happy, ahead of the Spain v Colombia friendly.

MurciaUpdate:
James didn't receive support at Madrid, says Pékerman
Sarah CastroAS Colombia

The question of James Rodríguez’ future was a subject of discussion during the press conference ahead of the friendly between Spain and Colombia in Murcia.

José Pékerman, the coach of Colombia since 2012, spoke frankly about the player’s lack of game time under Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid. James failed to make the bench for the Champions League final victory over Juventus in Cardiff.

James Rodríguez 'dreamed of Madrid', says Pékerman

“James knows full well that he has had a tough year, but I saw a big improvement in him. He had some difficult moments, but had the strength of character to face up to them in the knowledge of how demanding the club is, they’re the European champions.”

The 67-year-old Argentine continued, “James played well in various matches. About the number of minutes he played, it’s a subject that depends on the decisions of the coach, and they can’t be questioned because only the coach knows whether rotations are necessary. Who am I to say that James must play more at Real Madrid?”

“Real Madrid is the club that James always dreamed about, he has won titles there, and he has contributed as much as he could. That said, it seems to me that he has not had the support to make him feel happy.”

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JOSE JORDANAFP

Madrid and James will make a joint decision

On James’ eventual departure from the Bernabéu, Pékerman stated that “At the moment he has to work out which possibilities are the best for him and the club. It’ll be a joint decision. Equally, the coach will also have his point of view.”

Finally, he concluded, “James is an exceptional player, there are few like him in the world, and he is key for Colombia. He feels happy with the national team, and he’s keen to triumph. He has plenty of time to do so.”

Find out how and where to watch the Spain v Colombia match on Wednesday. 

With the signing of Ceballos, James wants to tie-up his departure from Real Madrid in the next 48 hours.