The absence of James Rodriguez in the match against Leeds United, this Wednesday, surprised the fans of the Everton and also to those of the Colombian player, who is in very good regard for the coach Carlo Ancelotti.
James, then reappearing on January 1 as an emergent after overcoming a muscle injury, was a starter in Everton’s next three Premier League games. It’s the first time he’s gone to the bench and he hasn’t even entered the field: Ancelotti barely made three changes in the 1-2 win.
(You may be interested in: Get up, stop! This was the Colombian’s goal to beat Liverpool)
Without the Colombian on the court, Everton has had good results. This is the sixth game he plays without him and the fifth in which he gets the win.
Ancelotti did not refer this time to the absence of the Colombian. But the Italian coach had been very upset by Everton’s performance in the last two games, which ended in a draw against Leicester (1-1, with a goal from James) and defeat with Newcastle (0- 1).
“The reaction after the defeat to Newcastle was really good. We played very well in the first half. We were smart in the game in the second half, it was difficult because we conceded no easy goals,” he said. Ancelotti after the match. “The goal was to add three points today (Wednesday).”
On the day James scored against Leicester, Ancelotti defended him, but criticized the attitude of the rest of the team. But after the defeat with Newcastle, the Italian was tough with the whole squad.
James’ absence, for now, ignites speculation: the first, which was one of those punished by defeat. This Wednesday, Ancelotti made four changes. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and James came out. Archer Robin Olsen, Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey and André Gomes entered.
All modifications were in defensive positions, as Gylfi Sigurdsson, in the game against Newcastle, acted in the front line of midfielders. This time he was later, in James’ position.
In addition, Ancelotti hinted at the post-match press conference that he was looking for players with different characteristics than James can give him: “We knew they were playing at such a high pace and it’s different from what most players play. the weeks. We had to match-by-man, win our individual battles, and the rest is fixed on its own, “he explained.
(In other news: Egan Bernal, cut in the first stage of the Star of Bessèges)
The second, which was taking care of him for a couple of very strong fouls he received in the match against Newcastle. And the third, who was looking after him for a key match, on Saturday, against Manchester United, in which the team wants to fight for a contingent in international tournaments.
SPORTS