Another day, another football person offering their opinion of James Rodríguez’s situation at Everton.
The Colombian midfielder has been out injured in the last few weeks, with his last appearance coming in the win over Liverpool last month.
That’s seen a whole slew of rumours and suggestions that something shady is going on behind the scenes, with both the player and Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti coming in for criticism.
That is something the pair have moved to dismiss, with both coming out and insisting that there is nothing going on and his extended absence is all part of a plan at the club.
Most of the criticism comes from the Colombian media, with them pretty much obsessed with everything that their star man is doing, or in this case, isn’t doing.
Now it’s the time of former Colombia manager Jorge Luis Pinto, who was in charge of his country between 2007-08 and gave his opinion on the Everton star.
“We would have to look at his physical condition, his preparation, how is he doing, has he been working well?” Marca report him saying to Semana.
“There are many, many reasons for muscular injuries.
“It seems to me that he has to rethink his personal issues and evaluate with the coach and the physical trainer and, of course, with a medical physiologist, the circumstances of why he has so many muscle tears and so many muscle contractions.
“For me, there are no exclusivities, at least in my way of working. Like all players, if he is well, the doctor authorises it; he trains and plays.
“If he is not well, you ask the doctor whether he can play or not. I have no preference whatsoever for anyone.
“Anyone who sacrifices a player who is recovering would have to look at his record.”
