2026-03-06 12:32:35
Gareth Bale loved working under the management of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
The former Wales forward worked with the legendary Italian coach on two occasions during his nine-year stint with Los Blancos and felt that Ancelotti’s style of leadership was perfect for the high-pressure environment at the La Liga giants.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Bale said: “Carlo’s management was the best; even when you weren’t playing, he made you feel like his best friend. He had that ability to keep everyone happy and willing to give their all.
“I’ve said it before: at Real Madrid, it’s not about being the coach, but about managing the players; of course, they do some tactical things, but it doesn’t have to be that much. Ancelotti was like your best friend. But he had a twist: if you didn’t train well… he’d tear anyone apart. The same at half time, but he had that perfect balance.”
Bale also worked under Zinedine Zidane at Real and revealed that the legendary former France midfielder didn’t do much tactical work – but was still able to win three consecutive Champions League crowns from 2016 to 2018.
The former Tottenham player said: “He didn’t do much tactical work, we did the bare minimum: training, possession, shooting, and that was it. Fifteen minutes of defensive tactics. But he earned respect for who he was as a player. He joined the training sessions, he even left me out.”
Bale won the Champions League five times during his time with Real and explained that the club’s affinity with Europe’s top competition stems from the attitude of president Florentino Perez.
He said: “Real Madrid prioritises the Champions League. The president is there the day before the match, and you don’t want to disappoint him. He’s passionate about football, he likes to be seen, and he wants to leave a legacy. That makes him the best president in Real Madrid’s history.”
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