Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Wales striker Bale is keen to go all the way to final
3-0 defeats to Serbia. But he managed to turn things round in dramatic style and Bale says he strikes the perfect balance in camp.
“When he came in it was a difficult circumstance and he wanted to try to keep it similar to how it had been, and not change too much, too soon,” said Bale.
“Obviously, results did not go the right way, so he put his own stamp of authority on it and it has paid massive dividends.
“He has that bit of banter with us but you know when it comes to the hard work he will give you a rollicking if he has to.
“He has a joke and a laugh but, when it comes down to it, you know how serious he is and you do not want to get on the wrong side of him.
“There have been half-time team talks where he has had to stick the boot in slightly to get it the right way.
“That is normal, but he hits the nail on the head.”
ITALY midfielder Daniele De Rossi appears a major doubt for Saturday’s Euro 2016 quarter-final against Germany due to what has been described as a “serious” leg problem.
De Rossi came off injured in the second half during Monday’s 2-0 last16 victory over Spain.
Italy’s director of medical staff Enrico Castellacci said: “Against Spain, De Rossi suffered a violent traumatic contusion to his right leg.
“He is working really hard, we are doing everything to get him to recover. We know it’s a serious problem.”