Real Madrid Players Listen to Zinedine Zidane More than Rafael Benitez: James Rodriguez

Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez believes the Spanish giants made the correct decision in appointing Zinedine Zidane as manager, admitting the players pay more attention to the Frenchman than they did to former boss Rafael Benitez.(Zidane Blasts 'Absurd' Transfer Ban on Real Madrid)

Zidane won his opening two games after replacing Benitez as Madrid head coach, but saw that run come to an end on Sunday with a 1-1 draw with Real Betis, in which he named Rodriguez in his starting line-up for the first time following Welsh forward Gareth Bale's calf injury. (Benzema Scores As Real Madrid Draw vs Real Betis)

"I think I was good. Now we will train more and that helps me a lot. The change of coach was good. Everybody listens more to the new coach," Rodriguez told reporters on Sunday.

Zidane was reportedly unhappy with Rodriguez's unwillingness to warm-up during his side's 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Gijon last weekend and has been forced to answer questions over his player's personal life. (Getting Late for Training, Real Madrid's James Rodriguez Clocks Over 200 Kmph)

The Colombian international has hit back at critics after his professionalism was called into question.

He has not been at his best for the Spanish giants this season and it has led to speculation over his off-field antics, in particular an incident where he reportedly failed to stop for police after being caught speeding. He has also had to deal with claims he is overweight.

"The talk really bothers me. Everyone who is close to me knows how I act and that I always look to take good care of myself," he was quoted as saying by Dailymail.

"I'm a great professional. What's been said about me going out a lot at night is a lie. It irritates me that people doubt me and say I am fat," the 24-year-old said.