Colombia boss says James “looks very good”, despite rust

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·25 de março de 2026

Colombia boss says James “looks very good”, despite rust

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said on Wednesday that star James Rodríguez is “doing very well,” despite having played only limited minutes for his club, a situation that is causing concern less than three months before the 2026 World Cup.

The creative 34-year-old midfielder has played just 39 minutes since joining Minnesota United FC of the United States in early February, a pattern seen throughout the last few years of his career, mainly due to physical issues.

Vídeos OneFootball

Asked about the Colombian captain’s lack of match fitness, a player vital to the national team’s functioning, Lorenzo remained calm.

“Physically, he looks very good. Maybe he is only lacking match rhythm,” the coach said in Orlando, Florida, on the eve of a friendly against Croatia.

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Colombia will play another warm-up match on Sunday in Washington against France as it prepares for the World Cup, which begins for the team on June 17 against Uzbekistan.

James’ debut for Minnesota was delayed due to physical issues. So far, he has taken part in two matches, although he did not start either of them.

The Argentine coach noted that the player “was fortunate to move to a club” that allowed him to get into shape before playing.

James also arrived at the 2024 Copa América in the United States amid questions over his lack of playing time at his club at the time, São Paulo.

However, he was named the best player of the tournament and led Colombia to the final, where the team eventually lost to Argentina.

“The level [the players] bring from their clubs is important, but it is not decisive,” Lorenzo insisted.

“We have time during this pre-World Cup period to get them ready,” he added, referring to the players he intends to take to the World Cup despite not being at their best at the moment.

*With content from AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.