Ancelotti says Rodriguez not at Bayern Munich to replace Muller

Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti rubbished suggestions on Tuesday that James Rodriguez was signed to replace misfiring German international Thomas Muller.

The Colombian last week joined the Bundesliga champions from Real Madrid on a two-year loan in a move that some interpreted as a threat to Muller, who is coming off of a poor season by his high standards.

Rodriguez, too, has something to prove after losing his place at Madrid.

Ancelotti, who managed him in Spain, expects the 26-year-old playmaker to hit the ground running.

Rodriguez gives the Italian a broad range of options in midfield and attack, but speaking in Shanghai on the eve of a pre-season glamour friendly with Arsenal and with Muller next to him, Ancelotti told a news conference: “Of course we did not buy James to replace Thomas Muller.

“It’s clear, because if we think this, we also think James can replace Thiago [Alcantara] because James can play in offensive midfield, and we think because James can play on the right, that he can replace [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery.

“James can also play on the left and as a midfielder ... we did not buy James to replace anyone.

“We bought James to have a better team and with James we have a team with better quality.”

The capture of Rodriguez has not gone down well in some quarters among Bayern fans because, despite his struggles last season in front of goal, Muller remains hugely popular.

The 27-year-old Germany international, who like Rodriguez can play in several forward positions, shrugged off the increased pressure for places.

“We are here and James is here to break the rumours and he gives the team more options, and I am sure the coach is happy to have him here and have more options in the future,” said Muller, smiling broadly.

“James is a very good player who will help us improve the team.”