Rafa Benitez will not give James Rodriguez cold shoulder
Rafa Benitez will not be giving James Rodriguez the cold shoulder at Everton after he failed to get his move this summer, per The Liverpool Echo.
The 30-year-old was looking for a way out in the window and the Toffees also offered him to AC Milan but a deal could not be found with the Italian side.
Benitez, in no uncertain terms, told the Colombian that he was free to leave, but will now consider him for selection against Burnley next time out if he trains as per his standards.
The Echo report read, "If the Colombian playmaker is applying himself to Benitez's methods then he will consider him for selection - but, from the opening two months of his reign, there are doubts James will suddenly change his approach to the game to fit in with the manager's thinking."
Time to mend bridges
Benitez and Rodriguez have started off on the wrong foot since the Spaniard's arrival at Finch Farm, and it's time for the two to settle their differences and work as a collective unit.
Rodriguez may not be on Everton's books next season and Benitez could also lose his job before the Colombian departs, but as long as they're employed by the Toffees, they've got to make the best of each other and ensure that all decisions are taken in the best interests of the club.
In Rodriguez, Benitez has an extremely talented and once world class player, who when played in the right system, can wreak havoc.
He is still arguably the most skilled player at the club, and while he's got to work on his off-the-ball play, on it he's a joy to watch, especially in the final third.
It remains to be seen how the Spaniard deals with this situation, but as things stand, it seems like he plans on reintegrating him into the squad and hopefully, he gets him smiling once again.
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