James Rodriguez: Ancelotti didn't make me a better player

The Colombian star has opened up on his long history with his former manager.

James Rodriguez has claimed Carlo Ancelotti didn’t improve his game during their three spells of cooperation.

Following his incredible performances in the 2014 World Cup, James joined Real Madrid to kick-start his La Liga career under Ancelotti.

The Colombian forward went on to play under Ancelotti both during his loan spell at Bayern Munich and later on at Everton. But he feels working with the iconic manager hasn’t made him a better player.

“Ancelotti just didn’t make me a better player. He did it with Vinicius, with Rodrygo, Fede Valverde and many more,” he told Noticias RCN (via Goal).

“They were good, but now they are at an impressive level.

“I think that in football there are coaches who are not tactically geniuses, but who have team management.

“They know how to talk to you, they know how to reach you, they are like a father to you and you value that more than anything else. If they protect you, you are going to give everything for them.”

Olympiakos terminated James’ contract in April, leaving the former teenage sensation without a club. Elaborating on his future, the 31-year-old added: “In Europe the season is ending so the teams have not planned the following season. It will begin to move in June and July to see who wants a number 10. I want to stay in Europe, where I can play every three days, I feel very good physically.”