Zidane defends James and admits being Madrid coach is tough

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane defended the form of Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez as his side prepares to take on Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

That game comes just a week after James was booed by a section of Madrid fans when he was substituted after an ineffectual display which saw Real Madrid lose 1-0 at home to Atletico Madrid.

"I think people are being unfair to him ... it annoys me because I want the best for my player," said Zidane, who added it "would be different if he was not committed, but that is not the case."

Real came back from their defeat to Atletico with a 3-1 win over bottom of the table Levante, in a game which saw several former youth team players start. Although it wasn't a convincing win, Zidane's side with the youngsters in it covered more ground that in their previous 26 league games this season.

"I expected that to happen," said the coach, explaining that "when you have the ball you run more than your rivals."

Zidane confirmed that Gareth Bale would return against Celta after almost two months out, but that he would not risk Marcelo, who has a calf complaint, while Luka Modric was also a doubt.

"I am sure that coaching Real Madrid ages you a bit, but I am very happy to be doing what I am doing there is less stress."

"I knew what to expect and the main thing is to be convinced you can do the job," he explained. "It's not nice when you lose and I know that when we lose or when we draw a couple of games it's a disaster. I lived it as a player and now I accept it," he concluded. Enditem