Transfer: Bayern Munich manager speaks on James Rodriguez’s future amid Arsenal links

Bayern Munich manager, Niko Kovac, has said he expects James Rodriguez to retain his motivation and focus for the rest of the season, because he is “playing for his future” at the club.

Rodriguez joined Bayern on a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid at the start of last season, and while he has impressed in spells, consistency has been lacking.

The Colombian midfielder has started just five times in the Bundesliga this term, as he has struggled with a knee injury that has kept him sidelined since Novermber.

As Bayern prepare to return from Germany’s mid-season break away to Hoffenheim on Friday, Kovac is urging the playmaker to kick on and force the club into a decision.

“The competition is very big, but anyone can earn [their place].

“All the players signing a contract here know that you can be out of the team.

“James is playing for his future. I expect him to keep pushing. I see that he is motivated and focused, he wants to play more than in the past.

“As a coach, I can only rate what I see on the pitch, which is the standard for him, but also for everyone else. Nothing else matters,” Kovac told reporters on Wednesday.

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