There is no spat between James Rodriguez and Rafael Benitez, according to the Real Madrid head coach.
Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez insists his decision to omit James Rodriguez from his starting XI for the opening fixture of the Liga season was purely tactical.
The Colombian was limited to 34 minutes from the bench as Real was held to a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon, but tweeted this week that he felt "better than ever".
Benitez has played down reports of a spat between the pair, stressing Rodriguez's importance to the side.