Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has apologised to Dani Ceballos for giving him only a 29-second cameo against Leganes midweek.
Ceballos was said to be ‘enraged’ with Zidane’s decision to bring him on right at the end of Madrid’s 3-1 win at Leganes on Wednesday, prompting Zidane to say he was “very sorry” to the midfielder, while affirming Gareth Bale “will always be important” to Los Blancos.
“I felt very bad for the change, so I’m very sorry,” the Coach said at a Press conference for Saturday’s game against Alaves in La Liga.
“I’ve told him that. He's a charming lad, who works hard, knows he’s young and knows he has a lot to learn.
“I remember the game he had against Alaves precisely, when scored two goals. I’m delighted with him. Now he has to keep thinking he’s going to get minutes.
“Bale? He’s an important player in this squad and he always will be. He’s training to get more out of his game, like everyone else.
“What interests me isn’t just one or two players, but rather everyone. What I want to see is Bale at 100 percent. I don’t want to lose him again.
“He hasn’t played an important role for us, but he certainly will. Afraid that he’ll break down again? No, but we have to be attentive to everyone.
“Look what happened to us with three or four players recently. Maybe another Coach will come in and think differently, but I count on all of my 25 players.
“Football has changed and I focus on the health of my players.”
