Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says there is "no
debate" around the future of Manchester United target James Rodriguez.
ESPN FC sources last week revealed that United have been
offered the chance to sign Rodriguez this summer, but Zidane insists the squad
is totally focused on continuing their La Liga title push in Wednesday's
re-arranged game at Celta Vigo.
The Colombia international's applause to the stands when
substituted during Sunday's 4-1 La Liga win at home to Sevilla has been
interpreted in some quarters as a goodbye to the Bernabeu.
The 25-year-old missed training on Monday and Tuesday due to
an apparent foot injury, while his stepfather and Colombia's ambassador in
Madrid have both suggested they see a summer move as likely and positive.
Speaking at the news conference ahead of the trip to Vigo,
Zidane was clear that he did not want any speculation over summer transfers to
affect his team's focus.
"James is here with us," Zidane said. "There
is no debate about his future. He did not train today as he got a hard knock
[on Sunday]. And we are just thinking about the three games we have left."
Four points from the game against Celta on Wednesday and
their weekend trip to Malaga will see Madrid crowned champions regardless of
what Barcelona do in their final game at home to Eibar on Sunday evening.
Los Blancos were due to play at Balaidos in early February,
but the game was postponed after high winds damaged a stand and what followed
was an angry exchange of words between Vigo mayor Abel Caballero and the
Bernabeu hierarchy.
"What happened happened, and we must play this game
now," Zidane said. "I expect Celta's players to be professional, as
they always are against Real Madrid, and to give the maximum possible.
"I am not concerned about it, I know it will be a tough
game, but I am interested in what we do ourselves. We have two finals left and
then La Liga is over. We are physically very good, and just want tomorrow's
game to start."
Zidane is set to be without versatile defender Nacho, who
picked up a fifth booking of the season against Sevilla, although local reports
say the club hope to get the yellow card overturned so he can play at Balaidos.
Wales winger Gareth Bale and right-back Dani Carvajal are
continuing their recoveries from calf muscle and hamstring injuries
respectively, and neither player seems likely to be back in time for Sunday's
decisive game at Malaga.
"This is not the moment to talk about whether Gareth
will be fit for the [UCL] final [on June 3]," Zidane said. "He is
much better, has been on the pitch, although not with us yet. It is positive
and we are happy, although he will not be with us tomorrow."
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook