Kovac: 'James is playing for his future'
Bayern München coach Niko Kovac says James Rodriguez has to prove himself in the second half of the season.
James Rodriguez 'is playing for his future' at Bayern München in the second half of the season, head coach Niko Kovac said at a press conference today.
Bayern have a €42 million option to buy the Real Madrid loanee, and Kovac hints the Colombian international needs to prove himself to earn himself a permanent deal.
"James is playing for his future," Kovac said and added:
"I expect him to keep pushing. I see that he's motivated and focused. He wants to play more than he has done in the past."
In today's edition of Sport Bild, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also said that James' future at the club depends on his performances in the second half of the season.
"We'll look at the second half of the season and draw the right conclusions," Salihamidzic said.
"James has a special character. He's able to give our team a touch of genius. If he's in top form, he can decide games alone. He must bring himself to that level, and we will be there to support him all the way," the Bayern boss explained.
One thing is for sure - Bayern will not buy James Rodriguez just to directly sell him to another club.
"That's not Bayern's style," Salihamidzic underlined.