Karim Benzema out of ICC clash v Bayern, live on Sky Sports
Wednesday 3 August 2016 15:29, UK
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane says he wants James Rodriguez to stay at the club despite rumours linking him with a move away.
Media reports have suggested the World Cup winning boss wants to offload the Colombian playmaker after he failed to secure a regular starting place, with Manchester United among the interested parties.
But Zidane - who took the reins at the Bernabeu in January after the sacking of Rafa Benitez - insists that he wants Rodriguez in his squad.
"I do not want him to leave, he is a Madrid player, he just wants to play more, but you have to do what he is doing and work," the Frenchman said ahead of the International Champions Cup clash with Bayern Munich at the Metlife Stadium in New Jersey, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30am.
"I hope to play him more this year, but I want everyone to give the maximum, and then I decide every game.
"And I have 25 players, so I do not have anything against James, people always ask me the same. James is well in Madrid."
With the new campaign around the corner, Zidane is preparing for his first full season as Real Madrid manager, but will be without Karim Benzema for the clash against Bayern this week.
The striker missed Los Blancos' victorious Champions League final in May through injury, and was also omitted from the France squad for Euro 2016.
"Karim will not play against Bayern. He still has not done anything with the team," Zidane added. "The idea is that on Saturday he will be incorporated into the group.
"I'm happy with how [preseason has] gone. We have been able to work very well. I want the team to go further. The idea is that against Bayern, those who start the game play more minutes."
Watch Bayern Munich v Real Madrid live on Sky Sports 1 from 12.30am on Thursday 4 August and catch Los Blancos in La Liga action throughout the season across Sky Sports.
