Zidane: “Bale can be a decisive player and I will count on him”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked in press conference to preview Saturday’s home match against Real Sociedad and explained his feelings about the situation surrounding Gareth Bale, who is involved in a big controversy after posing with a “Wales, Gold, Madrid. In that order” banner during this past FIFA break.

“I think a lot of noise has been made about this situation and we have to focus on football. I have to focus as a coach and he has to focus as a player. This is just too much now. The player was able to play for his country and now he’s back with us. I’m only paying attention to his performances, not what is being said outside, I’m not interested in that noise,” said Zidane, who refused to answer more questions about the Welsh attacker.

“I won’t answer any more questions about Gareth. When you look at what he’s done for the club during these years people have to stand alongside him. Real Madrid fans who bleed Madrid’s colors have to be with him,” explained the coach.

The French manager said he will count on Bale going forward.

“I think he can be a decisive player. I’m only thinking about that. If nothing happens to him he is a very important player. When he’s injured it’s obviously different. I will count on him, no news on that front. He will be engaged,” said Zidane.

The manager was also asked about facing Martin Odegaard, who is spending this season playing with Real Sociedad.

“I see him doing a fine job and making an impact. I won’t talk about the future and I’m only thinking about doing a good job tomorrow. I’m more concerned about their team as a whole. They’re young, they take risks and they play good football with skilled players. Fans on our stadium will watch a good football game,” said Zidane.

The Frenchman also said that he will not coach any other Spanish team when he was asked about Mourinho’s old quotes saying that he would never coach Tottenham.

“I would only coach Real Madrid in Spain. I bleed white,” concluded Zidane.