Carlo Ancelotti has explained the reason for James Rodriguez’s absence from Everton’s win over Leeds.
Rodriguez was overlooked for the Blues’ midweek victory at Elland Road, which came on the back of the playmaker featuring their last three games.
Ancelotti also demoted Michael Keane to the substitutes’ bench against Marcelo Bielsa’s side despite the defender making a late cameo appearance.
But Ancelotti insists that the Colombia international’s omission was based on fitness rather than form ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.
He said: “All the players have difficulty to understand why they don’t play.
“I usually say to them two reasons why they don’t play.
“The first reason is that they didn’t play well in the game before, and the second reason is to give them a rest for these games.
“Usually when you don’t play well, I’m going to tell you but if I say nothing and you don’t play, it means I want to give you a rest.
“I hope they understand but if they don’t understand they can come to me and I can explain this.
“It is absolutely normal when there are a lot of games that I decide to give players a rest and keep the others more motivated.
“This is the reason because sometimes players that are used to playing, are not playing.
“That James didn’t play well against Newcastle is an opinion, but it was not my opinion.
“I gave him a rest because he played three games in a row and I want to keep him fresh for the next game to avoid injury.
“This is the reason for James and Keane [not starting at Leeds].
“I’m going to rotate other players tomorrow. This is a normal way for me to manage my squad to avoid injury and keep players motivated.”
The Everton manager also confirmed that Jordan Pickford will miss the Old Trafford game as he tries to shake a rib problem picked up against Newcastle.
Robin Olsen is set to again take the England international’s place in goal, having impressed during the Leeds win by making a string of vital saves.
“Olsen played a good game [on Wednesday], a really good game,” added Ancelotti.
“When Pickford is back he will play like he played usually but I think Olsen can play some games [too].”