Bale return adds stardust as Mourinho eyes titles for Spurs

LONDON: Gareth Bale is expected to make his second Totenham debut against West Ham on Sunday, but Jose Mourinho claims even the Welsh star’s place is not guaranteed as he revels in the squad depth at his disposal.

Bale has returned to north London on a season-long loan from Real Madrid ater seven years of highs and lows since joining the Spanish giants for a then world-record fee.

Bale has earned over 80 caps and scored 33 international goals, making him Wales’ highest scorer of all time. He was the top scorer for Wales in their successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2016, scoring seven goals; he subsequently represented his nation in the final tournament as they reached the semi-finals, scoring three goals.

He scored in two Champions League finals as Madrid won the competition four times in his first five seasons.

But Bale’s performances also atracted plenty of criticism, while he struggled with injuries and the adaptation to life in Spain.

Injury has also delayed his Totenham return on the field, but the familiar surroundings have made the 31-year-old more relaxed ater his Madrid misery and he has been pictured in the stands supporting his new team-mates.

“By going to Madrid, winning trophies and going far with the national team I feel like I have that winning mentality of how to win trophies,” Bale said on his return.

But questions remain over whether he can emulate the success of his first spell with Tottenham, when he developed into one of the world’s best.

“We have a squad where every player has to fight a lot and play very well to deserve a place in the team,” said Mourinho.

“The squad is so good, so strong. We have so many options that I refuse to say this player is a first choice.

“I can feel even in the players this feeling I love. They are happy but they are worried.

“They are happy that the squad is good, that people are coming to make the squad beter.”

“But at the same time they are worried about themselves, ‘ am I going to play or not going to play?’ This is the kind of feeling you have in the top teams and we are having that now.”