The Italian has insisted the Wales international was not selfish against Valencia and added that he’s not happy about Barcelona’s recent problems
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended Gareth Bale after the Welshman came in for criticism following his side’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Valencia at the weekend.
The former Tottenham winger was accused of selfishness after opting to shoot rather than passing the ball to Karim Benzema in a dangerous position.
However, Ancelotti has stressed the 25-year-old made the right decision and denied that he would be dropped for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid.
“I do not think Bale is selfish. I have seen the situation again and it was not easy to pass the ball, it was very complicated. He had no room and he tried to shoot,” the Italian said at a press conference.
“There is no need to talk about Bale. He knows very well when he needs to pass but he took the right decision.
“If he feels pressure it is positive because he has scored goals in the finals he has played in. Against Atletico he will play.”
The Madrid coach then went on to discuss Barcelona’s recent struggles and Luis Enrique’s decision to bench Lionel Messi and Neymar for the 1-0 loss versus Real Sociedad.
“I’m not happy about Barcelona’s problems, because I have things to fix of my own,” he added. “I look at my own team, not what happens in Barcelona. Let’s just say that teams have problems during the season.
“I do not know the dressing room of Barcelona, so I cannot comment on Luis Enrique’s decision.
“Everyone faces decisions regarding the dressing room and Luis Enrique is best placed to make those decisions. It looked like a fair one.”