Zinedine Zidane Understands James Rodriguez Anger After Real Madrid Beat Leganes

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane can "understand" James Rodriguez's angry reaction to being substituted during Los Blancos' 4-2 win over Leganes in La Liga on Wednesday, per Javier Martin for AS, and the Frenchman has shrugged off suggestions that James is becoming a problem for the club.

James struck the dugout with his fist after being hauled off in the 72nd minute.

Mario Cortegana of AS also reported Rodriguez could be seen saying: "Motherf--ker! You never give me a full game!"

James was substituted in each of the last four La Liga matches in which he played from the beginning and has only started seven league matches in total this campaign. His other eight games have all been second-half substitute appearances.

James' obvious frustration on Wednesday is only likely to increase rumours he will soon be leaving the club, with Zidane reportedly hoping to offload the Colombian in the summer, according to Sergio Santos Chozas for AS.

Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press

However, Zidane spoke positively about the 25-year-old after Wednesday's game.

"I understand him being angry about [being substituted]," Zidane said, per Martin. "No, we haven't spoken about it in the dressing room. It's normal for a player who starts to want to complete the full 90 minutes. These things happen, and that's all there is to it. I was pleased with the game he put in tonight, and that's that."

Nevertheless, James appears increasingly unlikely to stay at the Bernabeu for long, and this latest outburst may expedite talks with interested suitors.

Liverpool are reportedly keen to secure his signature but believe they will need to be able to offer Champions League football, per Chris Hatherall for the Sunday Mirror. James has reportedly "issued a 'come and get me' plea" to Manchester United, per John Richardson for the Mirror.

Dave Thompson/Associated Press

Real Madrid are two points clear in La Liga, with a game in hand over their rivals Barcelona, and face Bayern Munich this month in the Champions League quarter-final. Until recently, Zidane's side did not appear to need James, but the Colombia international has now recorded two goals and three assists in his last four league matches.

Consequently, it is plausible Zidane has re-evaluated James' importance to the team.

"James is important for us—just like the rest are, and he is going to continue being important for me, for the team and for everyone," he said, per Martin.

This rich vein of form is bad news for any clubs hoping to sign James in the summer. His price tag may rise rise considerably if he continues to prove his value to Zidane and Real.

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