BALE AND BOSS ON SAME PAGE
CZECH REP 7.45pm
GARETH BALE has taken more responsibility with Wales in Ryan Giggs’ absence – and backed caretaker manager Rob Page’s no-nonsense approach to maintaining standards.
Tyler Roberts, Hal RobsonKanu and Rabbi Matondo will not be involved against the Czech Republic tonight after being sent home for breaching team protocols.
Page is stamping his authority on the squad in the absence of Giggs, who will be missing for a sixth match this evening as he is on police bail until May waiting to learn if he faces charges over assault allegations.
But ahead of tonight’s home World Cup qualifier, Bale, 31, embraced the additional demands placed on him.
He said: “There has been a bit more responsibility but something I am happy to step up and do and when required say the things I need to say.
“You have to take a more senior role.The role has changed slightly, especially in the last year. I suppose there is a bit of making sure standards are still set.
“But Pagey has obviously done an incredible job of that. He has stepped in and taken control and kept the group good and standards high.
“Training has been very good, as the results have shown.”
Bale isWales’ record scorer with 33 goals in 89 internationals. The Dragons captain has also scored 10 goals in 25 games for Tottenham this term, but he has started just six Premier League club games under Jose Mourinho.
Bale, on loan from Real Madrid, said: “I had a slow start. I came into Tottenham with a problem in my knee and not having played football continuously for a year and a half or so.
“It took a bit going.
“In the last couple of months I’ve felt stronger, my form and of time to get speed have been there and I’ve scored some goals.
“I wish it could have started a lot sooner but I’m also wise enough to know that it does take a bit of time to get your rhythm back.
“Now that I am playing, I feel good and, hopefully, I can continue it for the rest of the season and into the Euros.
“Whether you are the best player or the worst, confidence as a footballer, especially for me, is one of the most important things.
“Playing in the final third you need to take risks, to feel good about yourself and to be able to beat a defender, shoot and score.
“I’m building my confidence up slowly, which has been good, and that has shown in my performances and scoring goals.
“I just need to keep putting in good performances and, hopefully, they can keep getting better then lead into the Euros.”
C Roberts, Wilson.