Rincón: At Madrid there were egos, jealousy; that is the problem today

Freddy Rincón was the first Colombian player to wear the Real Madrid jersey, signing for the equivalent of 4 million euros in 1995 at the request of then coach Jorge Valdano. Rincón played just one season at the Bernabéu during 1995-96, one of the most difficult seasons the club has had in recent memory.

On November 20, 1995, Ramón Mendoza resigned as president and was succeeded by Lorenzo Sanz. At the time, the team were at a low point – Valdano was having issues with players like Michel Salgado, Luis Enrique and Michael Laudrup – and spent the rest of the season hovering around fifth and eighth place. Following the embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano at home, the Argentinean coach was fired, and Madrid went on to finish the season in a disappointing sixth place.

It was a difficult environment in the dressing room at that time, an environment that Rincón experienced first-hand during his one season with the club. And 23 years on, Rincón, who now works as an assistant coach at Colombian club Millonarios, recalled his experience at Madrid with TV channel beIN Sport and also spoke about the possible return of compatriot James Rodriguez to Bernabéu.

Freddy Rincón interview

What do you think about the option of James returning to Madrid? What advice would you give him?

It's hard to give advice. We used to listen to a lot of advice and put it into practice because we saw the older person, with more experience, with greater respect. Today it is difficult. James has had problems at Madrid; he has had problems at Bayern. Maybe the one that has to evaluate those problems is him. He has had problems with two coaches, with two big teams.

The Real Madrid dressing is a difficult place. You experienced it 23 years ago.

You know it. Madrid is very difficult. The Real Madrid dressing room is something that ... I do not believe there exists a team like it in the world ... There are difficulties, there are egos, pride, jealousy ... that is, a series of things that are harmful when taking a team forward. That is the problem that is happening today.

Did you experience something unpleasant in that dressing room?

The only one I had a dislike of ... there was a player whose name I will reserve and the president Lorenzo Sanz, who was the biggest problem. These are situations that because of the difficulties and because of what the Madrid dressing room is like, it is logical that problems will occur – and there were a lot.

How do you see Madrid under Solari?

Madrid will always have good teams. What happened is that Madrid had become accustomed to having a big player – the best in the world – in Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano’s departure has been felt and you can see how Madrid is working today. But Madrid will manage to sign great players again. That isn’t to say there aren’t great players there now.