SPORT Zidane hints at starts for both Bale and Isco
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, ALFIE?
ZINEDINE Zidane has insisted Gareth Bale is ready to live out his Champions League dream in his homeland – and has blown open the debate over whether the Welshman will start by hinting he could play the Euro 2016 star AND rival Isco.
Real Madrid boss Zidane has confirmed Bale is fit to travel with the team for Saturday’s showpiece at the National Stadium having returned to top condition in time for the clash with Juventus in Cardiff.
Bale has not featured for Real since aggravating a calf problem in April’s El Clasico with Barcelona – with the 27-year-old having seen Isco shine in his place ever since.
It’s led many to predict that Zidane will stick with the Spaniard for Saturday’s glamour game, leaving Bale on the bench in his home city.
But the Madrid manager – aiming to become the first man to retain a Champions League crown following last year’s success over Atletico Madrid – has opened the door for Bale to get his dream start in the capital by refusing to rule out playing both of the attacking talents.
Speaking ahead of their final preparations before jetting into Wales on Friday, Zidane was asked about Bale and said: “Gareth does not have to say anything to me – I know he is ready and excited and has a tremendous desire to play the final in his home.
“We are happy he is with us and he’s recovered and is prepared with all of us.”
The news of Bale’s fitness has sparked huge debate in Spain over who Zidane will select to start on Saturday, with Juevntus manager Max Allegri also asked for comment and claiming Madrid have ‘more order but less fantasty’ with the Wales ace.
Zidane’s preferred Champions League selection has seen Bale selected as part of the BBC – Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo – but has earned praise by selecting Benzema and Ronaldo as strikers with Isco in behind.
Yet Zidane is adamant he could surprise Juventus by playing both and will not be influenced by the ongoing debate over Bale versus Isco.
And he insisted: “People say Gareth or Isco, but they can play together. The two of them are very good and they have played together this year in 16 games and the important thing is that they have done well.
“The important thing is that they reach this final stretch of the season very well, Gareth a little less than Isco because he has I had less minutes, but I do not think about momentum, I am happy Gareth is with us.
“It’s a difficult decision because we’re everyone deserves to play. I’m going to have to choose between the 22-23 players and there will be players who will be left out of the list and that is the hardest thing for me. I will not tell you whether I have decided or not but it is normal for this debate to take place because they are two players who are very important and very good. But the ebate will not influence me.”
Bale insisted yesterday he is ready for the final.
“I feel very good, I’m fully recovered and I’m ready. I’ve been doing my rehab, the double sessions, all the hard work to be fit for this game and I have to keep going now,” he said.