Gareth Bale does not fit in Real Madrid team, says Zinedine Zidane
Monday 20 May 2019 12:27, UK
Zinedine Zidane has admitted Gareth Bale does not fit in his Real Madrid team amid reports the Welshman is set to leave the Bernabeu this summer.
Bale was left on the bench for the duration of Real's 2-0 home defeat to Real Betis on Sunday that brought down the curtain on their underwhelming season.
The 29-year-old has struggled to hold down a starting place in the Real side since Zidane returned in March and the manager has consistently refused to offer assurances over his future.
When asked about Bale leaving the Bernabeu after the defeat to Betis, Zidane said: "I don't know if it's the last game or not. I don't know what's going to happen.
"I'm sorry he didn't get to play, but no-one knows what will happen. If I think a player doesn't fit in the team I have to do what I think works best.
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"No one can change what Bale has done for the team, but as a coach I have to live in the present. I have counted on other players more in recent weeks.
"I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times."
Bale has won four Champions Leagues, La Liga and the Copa del Rey during his six years at Real.
Real's season ends in defeat
Updated La Liga table | La Liga results
Real Betis secured a famous 2-0 victory at the Estadio Bernabeu as Real Madrid's disappointing season ended in defeat, while Barcelona drew with Eibar.
Moron's 61st-minute strike and a second from former Real Madrid man Jese with a quarter of an hour remaining secured a deserved 2-0 win for the visitors.
Zidane's men, who started the day 18 points adrift of champions Barcelona and eight behind derby rivals Atletico Madrid, were ultimately well beaten as their Liga campaign drew to a close with a third defeat in four games.
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