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Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 17:03
James' unrest: Tension rising among Bayern's stars
By Xinhua
Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 17:03 By Xinhua

Colombian football star James Rodriguez attends a press conference in Bogota on December 20, 2018. (JUAN BARRETO / AFP)

BERLIN - Bayern Munich's performance has improved since coach Niko Kovac has settled on a regular starting 11. But abandoning rotation has caused new problems. The 47-year-old has to deal with several frustrated stars. One of them is James Rodriguez.

The latest Spanish and German media reports indicate that tension is rising within the Bayern squad.

The relationship between the Colombian star and the 2017/18 Bundesliga champions remains a difficult one. Since he joined Bayern in 2017, James has seemed far from satisfied about his playing time, and has complained about being under-appreciated.

ALSO READ: James Rodriguez: 'I'm only thinking about Bayern Munich'

Not all the reports might reflect reality, but James' disappointment seems apparent. According to Spanish sports daily Marca, the Colombian international has told Bayern about his plans to leave after this season.

James is said to have mentioned a strained relationship with Kovac. His stepfather Juan Carlos Restrepo told Marca that James still fancies a return to parent club Real Madrid, as the Spanish giant is still in his heart. "He is still a fan of Real," Restrepo commented.

Rumors speak about the interest of Arsenal and Juventus. Spain's AS newspaper reports that Real Madrid might take James back to use him as a makeweight in any bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen. The Dane's asking price is said to be as much as 80 million euros, and including James in the deal could help to reduce the price.

Bayern Munich's Croatian headcoach Niko Kovac gestures during the German first division Bundesliga football match BVB Borussia Dortmund v FC Bayern Munich in Dortmund, western Germany, on Nov 10, 2018. (CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)

James' agent Jorge Mendes is said to regularly intervene on behalf of his client, demanding more playing minutes. Serving top international stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and former Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho, Mendes is one of the most influential agents in world football.

James' loan deal with Bayern expires this summer, with the club having an option to purchase the player for 42 million euros.

James doesn't hide his dissatisfaction. After only playing 12 and 15 minutes respectively in Bayern's last two league games against Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, he left the ground without saying a word.

Kovac is said to favor quicker players to help enforce his side's attacking game. James might be one of Bayern's best when it comes to technical skills, but is lacking in pace. This week, the Colombian caused further unrest by turning up late for training.

"He plays for his future. Everyone playing for a great club must always perform at the highest level," Kovac emphasized. But Bayern's dealings with James are attracting international attention, with over 40 million fans following the South American star on social media.

FC Bayern Munich's Croatian head coach Niko Kovac (center) oversees his players in a training session during their winter training camp at the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in the Qatari capital Doha on Jan 5, 2019. (KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

The outcome of the Champions League round of 16 tie against Premier League side Liverpool and Kovac's choice of starting 11 for that tie might be significant not only for James' future, but that of Kovac.

Club icons Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben will soon return from injury, as will Jerome Boateng. While Ribery and Robben are set to battle it out for the wide positions with Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller and Alphonso Davies, Boateng faces competition from Mats Hummels for the remaining slot next to Niklas Sule in defense.

READ MORE: Lewandowski scores as Bayern keeps pace with Dortmund

Bayern's midfield is as overcrowded, with Muller, Thiago Alcantara, Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez and Leon Goretzka all vying for a place along with James.

Keeping his stars happy is one of Kovac's biggest challenges, with James representing his hardest nut to crack. Many expect things to be heading for the cliff edge before too long.

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