Bale and Zidane's strained relationship is back in the spotlight

Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Bale are once again the protagonists in the latest episode of unrest at Real Madrid. The coach decided to start Bale on the bench against Eibar despite the Welshman proving his fitness in training. He only played the final 30 minutes. That cameo didn't go down well with the coach, nor supporters online, as many questioned his effort - or rather the lack of it. The team needed freshening up but Bale didn't seem ready or willing to do that.

Bale didn't train alongside his teammates yesterday and spend the morning session doing gym work. It could be purely as a precaution due to the quick turnaround of matches or punishment for his lifeless performance against Eibar. Bale has banned the club from revealing his injury problems so no one, aside from the player and the club, know whether he's really injured or not.

POOR PERFORMANCE

Zidane has shown that he isn't afraid to make the big decisions. Throughout the season he actually defended Bale whenever he was asked about his opinion on the player. The Welshman's frustration under Zidane isn't new either as everyone remembers his impact in the Champions League final against Liverpool. Following the match, Bale admitted that he needed to play more if he was to stay at Madrid another season. 

A few days later and Zidane announced he would be leaving. Florentino Perez sold Cristiano and Bale decided to remain in Spain. Yet with the stage set for Bale to lead this new look project, the Welshman failed to deliver. His work-rate was questioned and many felt his heart wasn't in it. Zidane ultimately returned and wanted a fresh start with Bale but their relationship remains strictly professional and nothing more.