Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has said Rafa Benitez is the man who lays down the law at the club and all the players respect him.
The new boss lead his side to three pre-season trophies but the team stumbled in the first game of the campaign away at Sporting Gijon – a fixture in which Rodriguez did not start. The attacking midfielder was back in the side for the 5-0 demolition of Real Betis though.
Speaking to AS, the 23-year-old commented: “I think [Benitez] is the one who calls the shots. I’ve always kept my head down and known I must always train well and that I must always take my chances whenever they arise. I’ve always tried to give everything, whenever, wherever. I always try to leave everything on the pitch, play well and help my teammates, so don’t think I’ve changed at all.”
Rodriguez also went on to discuss on how he has matured as a footballer now and realises that the game is about the team and not just him.
“I was 19 [when I made my Colombia debut], now I’m older and that helps when it comes to gaining experience and winning matches. I always want to win. Wherever they are in the world, Real Madrid always want to win, and I try to help them in the form of goals and assists,” he stated.
