Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane backs James Rodriguez, Isco

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 29 April 2016

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists that Isco and James Rodriguez are both vital to his plans, despite their lack of action in recent months.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has insisted that James Rodriguez and Isco are both "important" players for Los Blancos, despite their lack of action in recent weeks.

Casemiro's form in the middle of midfield has directly impacted on Isco's playing time in 2016, while James Rodriguez has dropped behind the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Jese Rodriguez in the pecking order.

James did not even come off the bench against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but Zidane has said that he still has full confidence in the pair.

[All my players are important. I give importance to all my players by playing them more and playing them less. Isco and James are two important players on the team. I'm aware that they are players who can play more, but I give them the same importance as others," Zidane told reporters.

"They are ready [for Saturday] and have trained very well. It's true that many things have been said, but when they play, they do well and that's the most important thing for a coach."

Real Madrid will continue their La Liga title challenge away to Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon.