Zinedine Zidane defends James Rodriguez

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has defended James Rodriguez following the Colombian's lacklustre performance against Sporting Gijon on Saturday afternoon.

James was given a rare spot in the Real Madrid XI due to injuries to Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos, but the former AS Monaco attacker failed to impress during his team's 2-1 win at the Bernabeu.

Zidane has refused to criticise the 25-year-old, however, denying that James was "disinterested" after struggling for first-team football over the last 12 months.

"I do not consider him to be disinterested. James played well, as did the others. He may lack a bit of rhythm, but I am happy that he got some playing time," Zidane told reporters.

Manchester United and Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for the Colombian international.