Gareth Bale has spoken of the “respect” he has for Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane. “He’s won everything.”
The Wales international said in an interview with the Telegraph that Zidane’s success, the level of his teammates and the level of LaLiga has forced him to improve as a player.
“I’d say that LaLiga is slightly more technical than the Premier League. There’s a lot of one-touch close-range passing and I think that has definitely improved my play in small areas. I definitely feel like I’m developing,” Bale acknowledged.
“Playing with and for the best can only help you to improve. Zidane is a man that demands respect – he has won everything. He knows everything in Spanish and European football and knows Real Madrid in and out. The staff at Real Madrid are meticulous.”
Bale also offered his recollections of his first Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, who will be on the opposition bench when Los Blancos meet Bayern Munich in the Champions League Quarter-Final.
“He had a relaxed playing style and was very easy to play under; a very laid-back manager,” he said of the Italian, who in 2014 led Madrid to their first European success in 12 years, the fabled Decima, before Zidane repeated the feat last season.
Bale added that Madrid are now targeting both the Champions League and LaLiga, and didn’t prioritise one over another.
“It would be an incredible achievement, especially as no club has won the Champions League in back-to-back seasons since the new format came in,” he continued.
“Both are so important to the club and the fans so it would be amazing to do the double.”
