Tuesday, September 16, 2014

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: JAMES RODRIGUEZ TO PLAY FOR REAL MADRID AGAINST BASEL

World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez says he is still adapting to life at Real Madrid as he prepares for his Champions League bow at home to Basel on Tuesday.
James Rodriguez
Rodriguez to play for Real Madrid against Basel in UEFA Champions League

The Colombian, signed from Monaco in a summer transfer that could cost £71m, has struggled to make an impact with the European champions.
"Every day I get better, physically and mentally," he said.
Real are also in the same group as Liverpool and Bulgaria's Ludogorets.
Rodriguez, 23, has been part of a Real side who have lost two of their first three La Liga matches this season to leave them 12th in the table.
His only goal came in the 1-1 draw at home to city rivals Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup, a two-legged tie which Real went on to lose.
"It is not yet complete," he told Real's website on his challenge of adapting to life at his new club. "I'm in a new group and I'm gradually getting better.
Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is one of only six people to win Europe's elite club competition as both player and coach and the second manager after Liverpool great Bob Paisley to win it three times
"We've started badly, but we have the players to get out of this situation. There's no need to get carried away. We're just starting."
Real's manager Carlo Ancelotti has a decision on whether to keep faith with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was jeered by sections of his own fans during Saturday's Madrid derby defeat, or opt for new signing Keylor Navas, who impressed for Costa Rica at the World Cup, as they open their Champions League campaign.
The Italian, who ended Real's 12-year wait for their 10th European title in his debut season, said: "I feel like a coach who has to fix things in the team, the same as happened last year.
"This match comes at the right time as it is a chance to show a positive reaction and demonstrate the good things in the team."



BBC Sport

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