It hosts Deportivo La Coruna late Saturday in the debut of new coach Zinedine Zidane, who replaced the fired Rafa Benitez this week.
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But Bale, who scored a hat-trick in Real’s 5-0 win against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday – taking his tally to 10 in seven matches, has reiterated his desire to continue under new coach Zinedine Zidane.
A second hat-trick in his last four matches means the Wales worldwide is arguably in the form of his life, having scored 10 goals in his last seven games while overshadowing the now not-fully-firing Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Obviously it was a bit disappointing to see him go but things like this happen in football and you’re professional, you get on with it and you carry on”.
“Gareth Bale has indicated that he wants to stay at Real Madrid for as long as he is allowed to play in his favoured position”.
“I also know our work is subject to debate, but this time I really can not understand the decision”.
Bringing in the former French national team, Juventus and Real Madrid superstar resulted in an immediate sea change for the Blancos and the atmosphere at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, where jeers and tension gave way to standing ovations and unbridled joy.
“Nothing has changed among the players, what’s changed is the coach, and I’m going to try and make them play in the best way possible”, Zidane told a press conference. I know what I’m capable of and I just want to keep enjoying my football.
“As a player he was incredible”, said Bale.
“I’m happy at the moment. When we don’t have the ball he has to defend, then when we have to he can open the game up and play on the wing”, said Zidane.
“He was the guy everyone said was most upset by Benitez’s departure…”
But the world’s most expensive footballer has played down the suggestion that returning to a wide role could lead to him seeking an exit. “I’m sure he’ll score in other games”.
And Zidane insisted there had been no great change among the players since Benitez had departed and he had arrived, suggesting it was down to the changes he had made.
I’m very happy that we got the three points and it was a very important victory.
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While Deportivo are hardly the strongest opponents Real will face this season, there appears to be solid optimism the 43-year-old from Marseille can help the club triumph again after failing to secure any of the three main titles under Carlo Ancelotti in 2014-15.
