Zidane urges fans to get behind Bale as Wales winger returns to Madrid fold

Zinedine Zidane has attempted to defuse possible tensions between Real Madrid fans and Gareth Bale as the Wales winger prepares to return to club colours against Real Sociedad on Saturday.Bale was criticised in Spain after being pictured celebrating Wales Euro 2020 qualification victory over Hungary in midweek with a flag that read Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.That came following accusations that Bale has been putting country before club in recent months, with the 30-year-old having played four times for Wales since his lastappearance for Madrid on October 5.WALES. GOLF. MADRID pic.twitter.com/o1tG7hZzaw Sgorio (@sgorio) November 19, 2019Bale, who has missed Madrids last six matches after suffering a calf injury on international duty, is now in line to make his Los Blancos return against Sociedad after being named in a 19-man squad for the match.It remains to be seen what sort of reception the former Tottenham winger will receive at the Bernabeu, but Madrid coach Zidane has urged fans to throw their support behind Bale and the team.When you look at whatBalehas given to this club the fans, the real ones, the ones who feel the colours, the ones who are here for the club, the people who are going to come to the stadium, know that Bale is part of our team and they have to be with him because he is with us,Zidane told a pre-match press conference, as reported by www.realmadrid.com. #Zidane: "We've had 48 hours, Thursday and Friday. Not long, but we have to make the most of it. We're prepared for a very important game on Saturday."#RMLiga | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/duE5j3upAe Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 22, 2019Everyone has their own opinion and its one thing thats already too much. You know the situation, hes been with the national team, hes been able to play and now hes with us.Hes given a lot to the club and Im only going to look at the sporting aspect, because outside there are a lot of comments and Im not here for that. I know a lot of people are interested, but Im not.Ill always be with the players, things can happen outside the club, but well always look out to the pitch, we dont control whats outside. I talked to Bale like I talk to all the players. Hes fine, hes trained normally.While injuries have plagued his time in Spain, Bale has helped Madrid win four Champions League titles among a host of trophies since joining the club for a then world-record 85million in 2013.Zidane added: Gareth is an important player, hes always proved it.If hes OK and something doesnt happen to him, hes a very important player, hes proved it. Everyone whos injured is different, but when hes well, and now hes well, Im going to count on him. Here's our 19-man squad for tomorrow's match against @RealSociedadEN! #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/1PJViclpc7 Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) November 22, 2019Zidane said during pre-season that it would bebest for everyone if Bale left the club, with the Welshman then seeing a possible move toChinese club Jiangsu Suning come to nothing.Taking ahead of Saturdays game, the Frenchman added: If one day he has to leave that is his decision, but what I can say about Gareth is today he is here with us, available and I am happy for the team.Madrid return to action after the international break sitting second in LaLiga, behind leaders Barcelona only on goal difference.They face a Sociedad side who are just two points back in fifth following a fine start to the season that has left coach Imanol Alguacil in optimistic mood ahead of their trip to the capital.Just two points separate the top five Who will be top of #LaLigaSantander by the end of this weekend? pic.twitter.com/vMOOSXjGNE LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) November 21, 2019The Basque side did the double over Madrid last season, winning 3-1 at home and 2-0 at the Bernabeu, and Alguacil is hoping for more of the same.Yes, it would be exciting to repeat that and we go with every intention, knowing that it is very complicated, hesaid at a pre-match press conference.Alguacil stressed that last years successes did not guarantee victory, however, saying:The two teams are totally different today.Of course,we go with much more confidence, even more convinced to get something there.But it does not mean that we will win.What I do say is that we are convinced we can win.If you want to get something positive you have to go for the game.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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