Iñigo Pérez on James Rodríguez: "I Don't Know When He'll Be a Starter"
Iñigo Pérez, coach of Rayo Vallecano, stated that he doesn't know when Colombian James Rodríguez will be a starter, as he makes decisions "day by day based on feelings."
James Rodríguez debuted with Rayo two matchdays ago against Osasuna. He played ten minutes in the second half and showed flashes of his quality in a couple of plays. In the last match against Atlético, he was a substitute again, coming onto the field in the 72nd minute.
"It's something I don't even handle myself. I don't take a sheet of paper and make lineups weeks in advance. I move day by day. I try to make today's session go well, plan it, and carry it out. I understand this question, I answer it, and I will continue answering it with the utmost respect. I don't know, but even if I did, I wouldn't say it. I work in short time frames, which is how we need to focus as a club," he concluded.
This is James Rodríguez's goal with Rayo Vallecano
Colombian James Rodríguez, Rayo Vallecano’s star signing, stated that the team's goal is "to be among the top six in LaLiga and win the Copa del Rey" because "there's enough talent" in the squad to achieve it.
The Colombian midfielder emphasized that his objectives are to play well and help his teammates win.
"My goals are to play well, help my teammates play great football, and, above all, win and go as far as possible. We must focus on the present, taking it game by game. When you think like that, things work out and everything flows," the midfielder said in statements shared during the DIGI Talks.
The Colombian player, who debuted as a Rayo player in their home win against Osasuna last Monday, highlighted his love for the Spanish league and spoke about the importance of the fans.
"They’re a passionate crowd, very supportive. They’re going to be key because we need to be strong at home," said the 33-year-old, who confessed that missing the 2022 Qatar World Cup was the hardest moment of his career. He also commented on the strong form of the Colombian national team.
"We're going through a good phase, playing at a high level. As a team, we're growing a lot, and we hope to continue doing well in the upcoming matches to qualify for the next World Cup, which is what we all want," he said.
In the last international break, Colombia drew with Peru and then beat Argentina 2-1, with James Rodríguez starring by scoring a goal and providing an assist.