Carlo Ancelotti was the special guest on Mikel Obi's podcast where he spoke about Gareth Bale's struggles in the latter part of his career at Real Madrid.
In a revealing interview on John Mikel Obi's podcast, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti offered insights into Gareth Bale's tenure at the Spanish giants, particularly focusing on the Welsh star's later years with the club.
Ancelotti, who has achieved unprecedented success in his coaching career, acknowledged Bale's status as a club legend while also shedding light on the challenges that marked the end of his time in Madrid.
05:33 - 02.08.2024
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Ancelotti talks Gareth Bale with Mikel Obi
"I think he lost a bit of the motivation to play at a high level," Ancelotti remarked, addressing the decline in Bale's performances towards the end of his Real Madrid career.
This statement provides a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics that may have contributed to Bale's diminishing role in the team.
Despite this, Ancelotti, who also named his 2024 Ballon d'Or favourite, was quick to emphasise Bale's significant contributions to the club's success.
"Gareth Bale, who angered Real fans with his comments about Lionel Messi, is considered a legend here (at Real Madrid)," he stated, citing Bale's crucial goals in multiple Champions League finals.
Ancelotti specifically mentioned Bale's goal in the 2014 final and his brace against Liverpool in another final, underscoring the player's knack for delivering in high-stakes matches.
The Italian manager praised Bale's prolific scoring record in finals, a factor that has cemented his legendary status at the club.
"He scored a huge amount of goals here in finals," Ancelotti noted, highlighting Bale's ability to perform under pressure.
Reflecting on his personal experience with the player, Ancelotti shared, "I had fantastic moments with him and he was one of the best players that I trained."
This not only speaks to Bale's quality as a footballer but also provides insight into the positive relationship between the manager and the player during their time together at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti also touched on Bale's unique skill set, praising "the ability to combine physicality and talent." This comment highlights the rare blend of attributes that made Bale such a formidable force on the pitch, combining explosive speed and power with technical skill.
In his final two seasons at the club, the Welshman managed just 27 appearances, scoring four goals before he departed for Major League Soccer, MLS.
Ancelotti’s interview offers an interesting perspective on Bale's Real Madrid career, acknowledging both his legendary achievements and the challenges he faced towards the end of his time at the club.
It provides football fans with a nuanced understanding of one of the most talented yet enigmatic players of recent years, as seen through the eyes of one of the sport's most respected managers.
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