MADRID – Gareth Bale, the recently retired Welsh international, has offered a surprising glimpse into the management style of Zinedine Zidane during one of Real Madrid’s most dominant periods. Speaking on the “Stick to Football” podcast, Bale revealed that Zidane largely deferred to the immense individual talent within the squad, focusing less on intricate tactical setups and more on maintaining a harmonious dressing room.
Bale, who won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, described Zidane’s training sessions as relatively uncomplicated. “He didn’t do too much… You knew if you played Barcelona or Bayern you would do a bit of tactics, with the rest it was minimal,” Bale explained. “In big games you do 15 minutes of tactics defensively rather than attacking and that’s it.” This approach, according to Bale, was a key to unlocking the potential of a star-studded team.
The revelation comes as Xabi Alonso’s recent departure from Bayer Leverkusen – and speculation about tactical overthinking – was brought up during the podcast. Bale suggested that managing the personalities and keeping players content was paramount at a club like Real Madrid. “If you try to overthink things tactically at Real… you simply need to be excellent at managing people. Keeping players happy. Allowing them to do what they do best on the pitch,” he said, as reported by SportBible.
Bale contrasted Zidane’s approach with that of Carlo Ancelotti, another highly successful Real Madrid manager. “Ancelotti? He was like your best friend. But he had a switch: if you trained poorly, he would absolutely tear you apart, anyone,” Bale recalled. “The same applied at half-time, but he had the perfect balance. Carlo knew how to manage people better than anyone. Even if you weren’t playing, he made you feel like his best friend. He had the ability to preserve everyone in good spirits and create all the conditions for collective function.”
The Welshman emphasized that Zidane’s strength lay in his understanding of the players at his disposal. Rather than imposing a rigid tactical system, Zidane seemingly trusted his squad to deliver on their individual brilliance. This philosophy proved remarkably effective, yielding three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. It’s a strategy that, according to Bale, isn’t always applicable. “You need to be excellent at managing people,” he reiterated.
Bale’s comments offer a fascinating insight into the inner workings of one of the world’s most successful football clubs. While tactical innovation is often lauded as the key to success, Bale’s account suggests that effective man-management and a focus on player well-being can be equally, if not more, important, particularly when dealing with a team of exceptional talents. The dynamic at Real Madrid, he implied, wasn’t about complex drills but about fostering an environment where players felt empowered to perform.
The discussion similarly touched upon Bale’s relationships with teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. He dismissed rumors of friction, stating that the trio “got on very well in the dressing room” and worked seamlessly together. He described Benzema as the calming influence, while he and Ronaldo provided the spark. “I came in as the last piece of the puzzle,” Bale said.
Bale also acknowledged Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of goals and records, noting that while it could sometimes be demanding, it was ultimately a driving force for the team. “You also have to take that that is his drive and his motivation. He just wants to score, not just one, but he wants to score three, four, five, six a game, if he can,” Bale explained, as reported by Goal.com.
The revelations from Bale come at a time when Real Madrid is navigating a period of transition. The club recently parted ways with manager Xabi Alonso and the search for a latest coach is underway. Bale’s insights into the successful approaches of Zidane and Ancelotti could prove valuable as the club seeks to restore its dominance in European football. The emphasis on player management, as highlighted by Bale, may be a key consideration in the selection process.
Bale retired from professional football in January 2023, bringing an finish to a distinguished career that included five Champions League titles, a La Liga title, and numerous individual accolades. His reflections on his time at Real Madrid offer a unique perspective on the factors that contribute to success at the highest level of the game.
Real Madrid will continue their La Liga campaign on March 15th against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The match is scheduled for 4:00 PM local time (10:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM UTC). The *Clásico* is always a highly anticipated fixture, and the outcome could have significant implications for the title race.
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