Francisco Maturana, one of Colombian football’s most respected figures, has shared his thoughts on James Rodríguez’s current form and future with the national team. While praising the midfielder’s dedication and passion for the Colombian squad, Maturana expressed concern over James’ lack of consistent playing time at club level, a factor he believes could affect his readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The right motivation comes when you find the exact words to inspire a player. Everyone has something that drives them, and for James, that was the responsibility he felt when representing Colombia. He knew someone believed in him,” Maturana said during an interview with EFE.
Reflecting on James’ career trajectory, Maturana highlighted the importance of personal connection and motivation. “When James struggled at his clubs, the national team coach would personally visit him to talk. That’s a way to understand motivation—it’s not just about encouragement. It’s about knowing the player deeply and finding what makes them better,” he remarked.
Maturana, who led Colombia to their only Copa América title in 2001, also questioned James’ physical condition and its implications for his future with the national team. “The qualifiers are an excellent platform to prepare for the World Cup. But the World Cup is two years away. Will James be fit by then? His club form is crucial because if you’re not consistently performing at your club, it’s unlikely you’ll be ready for the national team,” he cautioned.
Maturana is currently in Bilbao to participate in a panel discussion following the screening of Colombia: Camino a la Gloria, a film by Luis Ara featured at the 2024 Thinking Football Film Festival. Known for his philosophical approach to coaching, Maturana emphasized the importance of adaptability and understanding among coaches.
“I admire all football coaches; they all have something to teach. A team’s style of play doesn’t belong to the coach—it belongs to the players. The true skill of a coach lies in creating partnerships between the players they have, regardless of resources,” he explained.
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