BOGOTA: James Rodriguez, a midfielder, claimed that Colombian players are already looking to atone for their country's inability to earn a spot in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After a string of lackluster performances during South America's arduous two-year qualifying campaign, Colombia fell one point short of a playoff position.

Rodriguez said on Sunday, "It was sad because we wanted to go to another World Cup," as reported by the local media. It was due to this generation. The players found it difficult to accept their exclusion from a World Cup. However, there's another one right around the bend; hopefully, we can make it. After parting company with Greece's Olympiacos in April, Rodriguez is currently without a club. His absence from Nestor Lorenzo's roster for the Cafeteros' most recent friendlies-- a 1-0 victory over Iraq in Valencia last Friday and Monday's match against Germany in Gelsenkirchen—was due to his lack of recent competitive matches, as per  reports.

The 31-year-old is thrilled with Lorenzo, who took over for Reinaldo Rueda in June.

Argentine Lorenzo, who served as the Cafeteros' assistant coach from 2012 to 2019, had previously forged relationships with a number of the team's players.

Rodriguez declared, "I think we're going to succeed with him." He (Jose) worked as Pekerman's assistant, so he is familiar with the position and the players.

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