Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has again played down any rift with attacker James Rodriguez, while also confirming Cristiano Ronaldo is to be rested for Wednesday evening's Copa del Rey last 32 first leg at Cadiz.
While Madrid have won their last two games -- 4-3 at Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and 2-0 at Eibar in La Liga -- Benitez remains under pressure from critics in the local media, with his handling of Colombia international James coming under the microscope.
Tuesday's Marca cover said that the 2014 €80 million summer signing was "fed up" with unfair treatment from Benitez, after he did not feature at all at Shakhtar and was then substituted early in the second half at Eibar.
#LaPortada 'Harto' pic.twitter.com/4WRPrAT9SL
- MARCA (@marca) December 1, 2015
Los Blancos coach told his pregame news conference that missing from all this analysis was the fact that James had been out for two months injured until recently, while suggesting that the best way for the player to seal a regular place was to score and make goals.
"When we analyse things we should not forget [James] has been out 55 days injured," Benitez said. "There is no problem. When he plays more, trains more, he will be closer to the best James that we all want to see.
"James has my backing and full confidence. This is Real Madrid, where players must compete to the maximum, and nothing else. James is an excellent player. I want them all to play very well in all games, if not another teammate will play, no problem with that. I would be delighted to see James scoring lots of goals, making assists, every weekend."
James is likely to start in Wednesday's game at the Estadio Ramon de Caranza, with youngsters Borja Mayoral, Marcus Lienhart and Marcos Llorente also perhaps featuring in the match-squad, but Ronaldo is to get a rest after playing every minute of Madrid's season so far.
"It is a good moment for some of the players who have been working with us to show their quality in the first team," Benitez said. "Ronaldo will get a rest. I insist in my maximum respect for Cadiz. We know it will not be easy. But it is a chance for players who have not been getting much playing time to show their quality."
Also set to feature against Cadiz is centre-forward Karim Benzema, despite ongoing controversy over his alleged role in a sex-tape extortion scandal, and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls saying there was "no place" for him with the Les Bleus national side at the moment.
"On a personal level, anyone who knows him knows he is a sensational guy who has our support," Benitez said. "He is a very important player for us, with lots of quality, and makes other players play better around him. I support Karim as a person and am delighted with him as a player. He is fundamental for us."
Benitez said that Madrid had now rebuilt their confidence after from last month's 4-0 Clasico defeat at home to Barcelona, but would not be underestimating a Cadiz side which will likely include former Spain international and Euro 2008 winner Dani Guiza, now 35.
"After two wins there is confidence," he said. "Two very serious games, lots of unity, so it looks very positive for the future. We are moving into a competition that is always an objective for Real Madrid. This is a game which could be dangerous, against an historic rival, a good team, with experienced players. We must be very focused as they could surprise you in any moment."