NFLNBAMLBNHLWNBACFBSoccer
Featured Video
Rockets Survive Lakers' Comeback Bid 🚀
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea looks on from the sidelines during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 15: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea looks on from the sidelines during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Michael Regan/Getty Images

Real Madrid Transfer News: Zinedine Zidane Talks Cesc Fabregas, James Rodriguez

Christopher SimpsonAug 17, 2016

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes signing Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas would give him a selection headache, while James Rodriguez is set to stay put at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. 

Per Javier Garcia of Real's official website, Zidane revealed his doubts about signing any more players this summer as the squad is "complete." He also discussed Fabregas after he was benched for the Blues' opening game of the Premier League season on Monday:

"

If you want to put another central midfielder into the mix then it becomes complicated. Cesc is a great player but it is not very straightforward. I am going to end up with a squad where three or four players do not get selected. To therefore put another player in there makes it difficult.

"

TOP NEWS

Germany v Ghana - International Friendly
Spain beat England 2-1 to win EURO 2024 title
United States v Portugal - International Friendly

Indeed, Los Blancos already have Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro as their likely starting midfield trio with Mateo Kovacic waiting in the wings.

Slightly further up field, Isco and Rodriguez will also be hoping to nail down a regular place, while Marco Asensio's return has already added another attacking midfielder to the squad.

ESPN FC's Liam Twomey believed Fabregas' absence from the starting XI against West Ham United on Monday was significant:

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte would not be drawn on his decision to leave the Spaniard out of the team:

If Fabregas has lost his place in the side, it seems likely he would seek a move away—at 29, he should be starting regularly.

Per Twomey, Conte added that any player could be dropped from or find himself in the starting XI, though, hinting there is still a future for the former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard's form was frequently subpar last year, so to force his way back into Conte's plans or earn a move away he needs to get back to his best.

Even if he does, though, there's simply no room for him at Real Madrid without the sale of one or two of their midfielders.

TRONDHEIM, NORWAY - AUGUST 09: James Rodriguez of Real Madrid celebrate victory, UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Lerkendal Stadion on August 9, 2016 in Trondheim, Norway. (Photo by Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)

Per Garcia, Zidane is adamant Rodriguez won't be leaving: "James is here, I am happy with how he played, and he will be staying here. I will always respond in the same way to that, I'm tired of having to give a response. My stance is not going to change."

The Colombia international endured struggles of his own last year as he often failed to show his best form. Football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes the player's attitude is the problem:

Nevertheless, Zidane's message is clear, and Rodriguez will be given the chance to salvage his career at Madrid.

The 25-year-old deserves the chance to turn things around at the Bernabeu—a big season awaits him as he attempts to do so.

Rockets Survive Lakers' Comeback Bid 🚀

TOP NEWS

Germany v Ghana - International Friendly
Spain beat England 2-1 to win EURO 2024 title
United States v Portugal - International Friendly
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 15 Utah at Baylor
NFL Draft Football

TRENDING ON B/R