Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez unhappy not to start over weekend
Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez is reportedly unhappy with Niko Kovac after being left out of the starting lineup against Bayer Leverkusen.
The defending German champions delivered an impressive performance against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Bayern Munich came from a goal behind to win the game by 3-1. The Bavarians suffered a massive blow, however, as Corentin Tolisso and Rafinha both suffered injuries of varying severity. Coco, who tore his ACL, will be lucky to play at all again this season, while Rafinha is set to be out for just a few weeks.
James Rodriguez replaced Tolisso just before half-time, and the Colombian scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season in the closing minutes of the match. The former Real Madrid midfielder delivered a tidy performance in the second half against Leverkusen, partnering excellently with Thiago Alcantara in the center of the park.
According to Fox Sports (via Onefootball), however, the Colombian has not reacted well to his omission from the starting XI on Saturday. James was expecting a starting berth against Leverkusen after staying behind and working hard in Munich during the international break. Kovac had requested James to avoid playing for Colombia over the break to focus on his club exploits.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
The Croatian manager has been full of nothing but praise for the Colombian since joining Bayern. James was heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid this summer, but he quickly dismissed these rumors and pledged his future to Bayern Munich, where he feels completely settled.
James endured a somewhat difficult start to his career at Bayern Munich last season too. His situation became even more tricky when the Bavarians sacked Carlo Ancelotti in September last year.
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner joined Bayern to get more gametime, but he languished on the bench for much of the beginning of the campaign. After arrival of Jupp Heynckes, James started delivering on the pitch and became one of Bayern’s most important players.
The Bavarians are confident they’ll exercise their option to sign James on a permanent basis next summer. While he’s still on loan this season, though, he’ll surely get his playing time and do his best to help Bayern again lift the Champions League trophy.
Next. Ribery is happy under Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac. dark
Kovac has never hidden his intention to rotate his starting lineups. James will become a key player for the Croatian manager sooner than later, and it’s normal for a player to be upset when he is left on the bench. The Colombian’s first chance could even come on Wednesday, when Bayern begin their ’18-19 Champions League campaign.