Real Madrid attacker James Rodriguez says he and all of his team-mates have benefited from Zinedine Zidane ousting Rafael Benitez as coach.
James scored Madrid’s second in Saturday’s dramatic 4-2 La Liga win against Athletic Bilbao as the hosts made it four league wins from four at the Santiago Bernabeu during his tenure.
The Colombia international was a somewhat peripheral figure under Zidane’s predecessor Benitez, with the pair disagreeing over the player’s fitness regularly during his brief spell at the helm.
With James enjoying some impressive form in a wide attacking role in Gareth Bale’s absence, the 24-year-old revealed that the squad have enjoyed the transition to Ballon d’Or winner Zidane.
Asked about his fitness, Rodriguez is quoted by AS: “Yes, I am much better. This helps a lot and I do not think it’s just me.
“The coaching change has been good for everyone. Not just for me. He talks a lot with everybody and I think it’s good for our play.
“[Zidane] gives you more encouragement to play well and know what you are worth.”
The Sport News Portal 