BARCELONA – Gareth Bale should leave Real Madrid as soon as
possible, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Saturday after the club's
first pre-season friendly of the summer.
Zidane gave 22 players a run-out in the 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich
in Houston with 11 playing the first half and 11 in the second period
but Bale was left watching from the stands.
Asked why he had been left out Zidane said after the game: "He has
not been called up because I think the club is trying to work out his
departure."
Asked if that meant Bale's departure from Real Madrid was imminent he
said: "I'm not going get into that.
"If it's tomorrow [that he goes] then all the better. Better for him
too."
Zidane was asked if it was personal between the player and the coach.
He added: "It's not personal. A moment comes when you do these
things. I have nothing against Gareth."
Zidane was then asked: "Bale has always said he wants to stay; has
that changed?"
He replied: "It will, in 24 hours or 48 hours. The situation will
change for the good of everyone."
Real Madrid were beaten by goals from Corentin Tolisso, Robert
Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry. Rodrygo Goes scored Madrid's
consolation.