Carlo Ancelotti responds to concerns James Rodriguez could leave Everton
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has moved to dispel rumours linking James Rodriguez with a summer exit from Goodison Park.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central’s reported this week that James was beginning to become disillusioned with life in England, citing the weather, the customs and the physical nature of the Premier League as key issues.
The Colombian has been an influential figure on Merseyside this season and would have been a major loss for the Blues, with the ex-Galactico having scored five goals and assisted three in the Premier League this season.
Talking in his pre-match press conference (via The Liverpool Echo) ahead of facing Liverpool on Saturday, Ancelotti addressed the talk surrounding James by dismissing it, claiming that the playmaker remains happy as an Everton player. He said:
“He is OK, he has no problem, I talk to him every day. James is happy here, is confident and motivated.
“He had a little problem in the last few games with his calf, but now he is in a good condition. He really feels good here because everyone takes care of him, and that is it.
“I don’t know if he complains about the weather, but we know that is not the best (here). But there are a lot of things good in this area.”
Strange story put to bed
Well, that’s been cleared up nicely.
It never seemed right that James would be that determined to force his way out of Everton after half a season because of a bit of rain, so Ancelotti dismissing it out of hand does seem like the right move.
It would also send the wrong signals about what we want to do going forward, with James a key player in showing that Everton are a club worth playing for, and a club that are capable of attracting and keeping top talent.
Usually, there isn’t smoke without fire but Ancelotti’s word does appear resolute, and now hopefully we can see James demonstrate his commitment on the pitch against Liverpool on Saturday.
In other Everton news, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed what he expects Everton to do about Moise Kean in the summer.