John Toshack slams Gareth Bale over boot change

John Toshack slams Gareth Bale over boot change

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Former Real Madrid manager John Toshack has slammed Gareth Bale for leaving the field during the game against Sevilla – which resulted in the Andalcuian side scoring their winner while Los Blancos were temporarily down to 10 men.

The 91 million euro summer signing was on the touchline when Carlos Bacca scored Sevilla’s second goal in their 2-1 win over the nine-time European Cup winners at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday evening.

Sevilla attacked down the same side that Bale had vacated to change his boots with just 20 minutes to go – something Toshack described as being criminal. The defeat left Madrid in third place in La Liga and fighting to stay in the race for the championship.

Speaking to Madrid daily Marca, Toshack claimed current boss Carlo Ancelotti shouldn’t talk to Bale for a month.

“Bale changing his boots 70 minutes in – leaving the pitch to change them – is criminal, is to go to prison one month; the coach should give him the silent treatment for a month,” he said.

And he added: “At Liverpool, the club I grew up at, it would be simply inconceivable.”

3 COMMENTS

  1. While I used to marvel at Bale’s talents at Tottenham I don’t see him doing the same things at Real Madrid that used to make me catch my breath: his runs up the left sideline, pinpoint crosses into the box, scoring ability from open play as well as from set pieces. Not sure if this is the fault of the manager or a lack of confidence by the player, but he has changed. Luka Modric too. Is it that difficult to make the adjustment from England to Spain?

    • Hey there! Good comment that raises some interesting points. I think perhaps the media and pundits can be too harsh on players coming to a new league sometimes, and not just in Spain. We sometimes forget that these guys are human too, and a period of adaptation is needed off the field – learning a new language, getting used to an entirely different culture all takes time. Normally, players take 6 months to a year to adjust, so hopefully Bale will step up again next season. That said, bearing in mind he’s had injuries this campaign, he’s done pretty well.

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