Former Real Madrid player, Gareth Bale, has come out with many surprising statements during his time at the club, especially regarding his management during his time there. Bale was at the Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s most successful period in the 21st century, and saw many of Real Madrid’s greatest players at their best.
Bale is a controversial figure in the Spanish capital, having been victimized by sections of the Spanish media. The retired Wales forward noted to ‘Stick to Football’, as reported by Diario AS, that he had a great relationship with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo despite the tension, and declared Sergio Ramos the absolute leader of the dressing room.
‘At Real Madrid, it’s about managing the players’
Given the difficulties of Real Madrid this season, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa both could not find the right answers, many threw a figure like Zinedine Zidane or Carlo Ancelotti. Bale worked under both.
“Zidane was very respected for what he was as a player. Carlo’s managers were the best; even if you weren’t playing, he made you feel like his best friend. He had that ability to keep everyone happy and willing to give everything. I’ve said it before: at Real Madrid, it’s not about being a coach, but about managing the players; yes, they do the best things, but they don’t have a strategy. But he had a twist: if you weren’t trained well… he could separate anyone at the same time, but he had a good balance.
Bale: ‘Zidane didn’t do much tactical work’
Speaking about Zidane in particular, Bale revealed that he made a surprising mistake in dealing with his players. Perhaps it puts into context the complaints of Real Madrid players that Alonso’s homework was too heavy, if this is what they are used to.
“He didn’t do a lot of tactical work, we only did a little: training, managing, shooting, that was it. Fifteen minutes of defensive tactics. But he got respect for who he was as a player. He joined the training sessions, he even left me out.”
He continues to declare Ancelotti as the best coach he has worked with.
‘I wasn’t surprised that Real Madrid fired Xabi Alonso’
Bale explained that the message to prioritize the Champions League comes directly from the top.
“Real Madrid prioritizes the Champions League. The president is there the day before the game, and you don’t want to disappoint him. He is passionate about football, he likes to be seen, and he wants to leave history. That makes him the best president in the history of Real Madrid.”
Florentino Perez has come under fire this season, with some fans calling for him to resign from the Bernabeu. Another criticism was the formation of his team, but another was dismissing Xabi Alonso so quickly. Bale had little doubt that the Basque boss needs to fine-tune his approach to the Real Madrid team more.
“I wasn’t surprised when they fired Xabi. At Real Madrid, if you do too much, the players don’t want it… you just need to be a good manager, not a special strategist.”
The question for many now is who will take over at the Bernabeu. The faith in Alvaro Arbeloa seems to be waning, but no one will take over from him.
