As a way to silence critics from the backlash, Carlo Ancelotti came out to defend his treatment of James Rodriguez since the two met.
It’s no secret that Carlo Ancelotti is fond of James Rodriguez as a player. The two started their professional relationship since the Colombian playmaker delivered that historic World Cup performance with Colombia. Back then, the Italian manager was fresh out of winning the Champions League and he had room to ask for good transfers. Although his bet didn’t exactly work, ‘Carletto’ remained true to the star and brought him to Bayern Munich.
Eventually, he made their second reunion possible after landing James for Everton. Unfortunately, James hasn’t lived up to the standard for different reasons out of his control. First of all, he’s always been cursed with injuries throughout his career. At Everton, he started the season well but he got a freak testicle injury that kept him away for a long time.
Ancelotti explains how James helps Everton.
During all that time he was out, criticism against Ancelotti for protecting him from the press started emerging. The gaffer wasn’t going to take this criticism because he clearly doesn’t feel that way despite the evidence to the contrary. Nobody can deny that Carlo really likes James Rodriguez as a player, as he keeps proving on a regular basis.
“[My] relationship with James is normal, it is not different from that with the others,” Ancelotti told the press through Marca. “The treatment is the same as with everyone. Of course, when we have the defensive line deep, James, [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have difficulty showing their quality as they are not defenders. We have to give them more opportunity to have the ball and use their quality.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Carlo Ancelotti
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
