Zinedine Zidane has addressed rumours of a fresh rift between himself and Gareth BaleZinedine Zidane has played down the significance of Gareth Bale ’s latest omission from the Real Madrid starting XI. Bale was an unused substitute in Real’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge on Wednesday night. Bale's latest exclusion raised plenty of eyebrows, especially given his tumultuous relationship with Zidane - who wanted to sell him in the summer. Zidane, however, has downplayed suggestions of a fresh rift between himself and the Wales international, insisting his decision to leave the former Tottenham man on the bench was a tactical one. Bale’s future at the Bernabeu has been up in the air since Zidane’s reappointment as manager in March.

Source: Express December 12, 2019 15:56 UTC