Tuesday, 7 April 2015

Ancelotti: Isco or James can take Bale's place


Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that Isco and James Rodriguez can play alongside each other, before one of the two could take Gareth Bale's place in the starting XI against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday.


Isco, who has previously been declared untouchable by Ancelotti, missed the 9-1 win over Granada at the weekend due to suspension, with James replacing him after recovering from injury.
Both midfielders are available for the midweek encounter with Rayo and Ancelotti has hinted they will both feature from the start, with Bale potentially missing out due to a minor injury.
"I could field both Isco and James. They have played together before," the Madrid coach said at a press conference.
"It is not a debate between the two of them. We are fortunate to have two players like them, it is not a problem. They can play in a number of positions and are very complete.
"Plus Bale has picked up a foot injury and we will have to wait and see whether he can play.
"I said before that Isco is untouchable, but that goes for the entire squad. I think we have the best team in the world.
"We have many more games left and I will have to rotate players. It is not true that some players are more important than others. James is doing a great job, but Isco has been fantastic, too."
Ancelotti then went on to reveal that Iker Casillas will play against Rayo, before making way for Keylor Navas for Saturday's match versus Eibar.
"Casillas will play on Wednesday. Navas will then get his chance against Eibar."
Madrid are currently trailing leaders Barcelona by four points in the Liga table and Ancelotti has admitted they face a tough task to catch the Catalans.
"I am not convinced that we will win the Liga title if we win all our remaining games.
"Barcelona are the team in charge.
"All I can do is make sure we do everything within our powers to win all our games."

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