This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has challenged Gareth Bale to regain his top form, following the Welshman's impressive performance against Celta Vigo in their 3-1 La Liga win.
Published on August 23, 2019, Zidane had previously expressed doubts about Bale's future at the club, stating in July that it would be 'best for everyone' if he left Madrid this summer.
However, Bale has been eager to stay and appears to be regaining the confidence of his coach, who praised his performance in the match.
'What has changed is that the player is going to stay, nothing more,' Zidane said in a press conference on Friday, ahead of Saturday's game at home to Real Valladolid.
He added, 'The important thing is the player wants to stay. It's true that a lot was said about him, by me as well, but he is going to stay.'
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Bale's future, Zidane has expressed his confidence in the player's abilities, stating, 'He is a great player, he has shown that before and he has to show it again. He has to be the player we know that he is.'
The transfer window in Spain does not close until September 2, and Zidane was asked about the future of goalkeeper Keylor Navas, as well as Real Madrid's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar.
