Real Madrid caretaker Santiago Solari has challenged Gareth Bale to ‘chew the scenery every time he plays’.
Bale has not scored in La Liga since September 1 but notched up a goal and assist during Madrid’s 5-0 win at Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League midweek, and Solari believes the time has come for the Welshman to step up.
“These are three very important points,” he said at a Press conference for Sunday’s clash with Celta Vigo.
“It’ll be a very difficult match against a team who do a lot of things well and we’ll have to be serious and focused at the very least to win. That’s what we’re aspiring to.
“I see the players with that desire to bring us the points so we can cut the deficit on the sides at the top.
“This is a sport that we’re all playing in. Not only the players, but also the coaches, physios… Everyone is committed to making this work so that we do well.
“I’ve seen sincerity, commitment, order, hunger and a desire to score so far… We have to keep showing these things.
“I’ve always liked Bale. He has the ability to play on the left, as a centre-forward, a playmaker and even as a left-back. He started his career there and can play there perfectly.
“Bale has to chew the scenery every time he plays, just like against Viktoria Plzen. I don’t know why some players didn’t get minutes, but Odriozola and Reguilon have done very well when I’ve used them.
“We all know what the Bernabeu means, yet they haven’t been burdened by it. They’ve taken it well and that makes me happy.
“The more competition there is, it’s always better for everyone. We know about Isco’s quality and how special he is in his position.
“He’s training to get himself back to his best. It’s true that he had a delicate operation and it’s not easy to come back at 100 percent.
“A team usually consist of 24 players and 11 start. The Coach’s role is to put a starting XI together and the players are clear on that.
“I don’t how he’s taken not playing much so far, although I guess he has with professionalism.
“Every game is decisive for many reasons, especially because if you drop points then you may not be able to recover.
“I’m focused on the next game. Looking longer term is beyond me right now. My job is to think about facing the next game with maximum concentration.”
