James Rodriguez’s attitude at odds with Antonio Conte’s “Chelsea family”
One of Antonio Conte’s many successes at Chelsea this season is restoring cohesion and camaraderie to a fractured, cliquish team. James Rodriguez’s immature and entitled attitude would undermine Conte’s work.
Earlier this week Antonio Conte spoke of his “Chelsea family” as he made a surprise appearance at the staff Christmas party. Around the same time, Chelsea transfer target James Rodriguez took the occasion of Real Madrid winning the Club World Cup to vent his frustration about his lack of playing time. James drew a public rebuke from Real captain Sergio Ramos for his comments on offers and “a bitter feeling.”
James’ comments are not the first time he has placed himself well ahead of his club. As the Metro notes, James has a lengthy history of anti-club and anti-coach behaviours. He took a feud with former Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez onto Twitter. He has been the last to return to training from vacation. And he has openly favoured his time with Colombia’s national team over his time at Real.
"It’s troubling with James. He has the wonderful opportunity to be asking Zinedine Zidane questions. You’re with Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, all of these people at Real Madrid. And you’re finding ways to be upset with this! If anything, take it as a couple of year long course in becoming a better footballer. – Barrett Rouen, The Blue Lions (iTunes)"
One of this season’s many joys for Chelsea fans – aside from the six point lead atop the Premier League – is the sincere happiness and friendship among the players and staff. Every time Diego Costa hugs Antonio Conte or a goal-scorer kisses the badge, Jose Mourinho’s drama and the Blues’ hang-dog faces fall farther into the past.
Charismatic youngsters like Michy Batshuayi and Nathaniel Chalobah are sharing laughs with the veteran players. For the first time in years, Chelsea players are happy to be together and happy to wear Blue.
James Rodriguez could undermine this hard-won cohesion and the club’s new ethos of earning your way spot. Chelsea has established stars like Cesc Fabregas and a legend like John Terry fighting for any playing time they can get. James, as a £50 million+ transfer, could circumvent that path. But that would be no guarantee of improving his attitude.
"No professional wants to not play. But you’re at Real Madrid, where even not playing you’re becoming a better footballer. Be a pro, make the most of your chances, get the transfer to where you want to go. Or, earn your way into the squad."
Chelsea and Antonio Conte have come too far in all areas of the game to let one player jeopardize their success. James has plenty of talent, but lacks the maturity Conte demands and Chelsea deserves.
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If Chelsea are to make a vanity purchase from a La Liga club, they can shell out for Antoine Griezmann. At least then Stamford Bridge will be treated to entertaining celebrations and amusing adverts.