Zidane faces ‘final dilemma’
Zinedine Zidane has one last dilemma to solve before Real Madrid takes on Juventus in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Will he go with the overpowering Gareth Bale in attack or keep the creative Francisco “Isco” Alarcon in midfield?
“It’s going to be a difficult decision,” Zidane said. “They are two very good players who have been important for us. Bale has played less minutes but he has recovered from his injury. And we already know what kind of player Isco is.”
Bale was a regular starter for Zidane until a right ankle injury sidelined the Wales forward for nearly three months earlier this season. Isco successfully took over Bale’s place in the squad and quickly became an important member in Zidane’s team.
“Whatever decision (Zidane) makes, that’s final. I completely understand it,” Bale said. “I think Isco has been fantastic. He has been playing very well the last few weeks. He has helped the team.”
The 27-year-old Bale has the disadvantage of limited playing time in the latter stages of the season. He missed the second leg of the quarterfinal against Bayern Munich and both semifinal matches against Atletico Madrid because of problems stemming from the ankle injury.
On Tuesday, he said he has recovered but still wasn’t at “100 percent.” /