Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insists it is a good sign Isco is not happy watching from the sidelines and has reassured the Spain international that he has a bright future.
The 21-year-old joined Los Blancos from Malaga on a five-year deal last summer and made a promising start to life at the Bernabeu.
He scored on his debut in Real’s 2-1 victory over Real Betis on the opening weekend of the La Liga season and netted a further four times in all competitions in the month that followed.
But his last goal came on December 14 and he has made just three league appearances since then, with his only start of 2014 coming back on January 6.
Isco has suffered as a result of Ancelotti’s switch to a 4-3-3 formation to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo, odds-on to be top scorer in La Liga, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale in the same side.
Ancelotti has told Isco that he still has a big part to play as Real, 13/10 with Paddy Power to win the Spanish league, chase success on three fronts.
“Maybe now Isco is not happy,” Ancelotti said. “I do not like a happy player if he does not play. He has been penalised slightly [by the change in formation], but hopefully at the end of the season we can say he was an important part of the team.
“He did very well at first and played. I have absolutely no doubt about his talents or his future – but now it is normal for him to be unhappy. I’m not here to work for one player or another; I’m here to work for the greater good of Real Madrid.”
Ancelotti’s side took major step towards securing at least one trophy this term as they saw off city rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
(Article provided by Chris Peters, with thanks)
