James Rodriguez: “Bayern Munich’s Champions League loss to Real Madrid wasn’t fair”
James Rodriguez says Bayern Munich are working to get over their UEFA Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid, whilst pouring water on any notion of an early return to the Spanish capital.
James played a starring role across the two legs against the defending European champions, with a goal and an assist over 180 minutes against his former employers.
The Colombian's loyalties came under scrutiny from certain sections of the media after his subdued celebration on scoring the equaliser in the 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu last Tuesday, before putting the ball out of play for downed former colleague Marcos Asensio.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
But after another stand-out performance for the Bavarians – which saw another goal and assist in the 3-1 win at Cologne – James has made his feelings clear.
Watch: James: "Not fair!"
“I think until next season everyone will get over [the loss to Real] in their own way,” he told bundesliga.com at pitchside. “I don’t think it was fair. We did well to get through [to the semi-finals] but this is how football can be sometimes.”
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes might have been on course for another treble following his successes in 2013, but Real escaping a penalty for a handball committed by Brazil left-back Marcelo was one of a number of decisions that didn’t go Bayern’s way.
James has a two-year loan deal at Bayern, but with Gareth Bale linked with a summer transfer away from Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo three months past his 33rd birthday, Real coach Zinedine Zidane had been linked with a bid to bring James back prematurely.
“We now have to think about [avenging the defeat] in next season’s Champions League,” he concluded.