James promised more game time

Coach Niko Kovac insists forward James Rodriguez is still an ‘important’ player for Bayern Munich despite talk of unrest in the camp.

Real Madrid’s James is in the second year of a loan spell with the Bavarians but reports claim the Colombia international is becoming disillusioned by a lack of playing opportunities.

The 27-year-old has made five Bundesliga appearances this term but just two starts, while he has found the back of the net on a couple of occasions.

Kovac is aware the former Monaco man might not be happy with the situation but has backed James to play a vital role when called on.

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“There are always cases when one plays and the other doesn’t,” he told reporters. ‘James is an extremely important player and has already shown that this season.

“He showed it against Schalke, Benfica and Ajax when he came on, but I can’t field 12 players. Still, he’ll certainly play as many games as everyone else.”