Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has revealed how Rafa Benitez rejuvenated him during his time in charge of the club, after the player had complained about his lack of influence down the wing.
Benitez was announced as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor in the summer of 2015, but the position seemed under threat from the moment the 56-year-old took the hot-seat.
While Benitez won 11 of his 18 La Liga games and drew a further four of them, president Florentino Perez eventually dropped the axe on the former Liverpool and Napoli boss.
Bale missed five of the 18 league games under Benitez, but when fit he was firing on all cylinders and nine of his La Liga goals this season came in the 13 matches he played under the Spaniard’s stewardship.
Bale has now revealed how thankful he is to the current Newcastle United boss, after speaking with Benitez over the struggles he had the season before under Italian coach Ancelotti.
“I spoke to Benítez about the position I’d like to play because the previous year [2014/15] I didn’t feel I was getting the ball as much,” Bale told The Times. “I felt isolated out on the wing and I wasn’t able to do what I wanted to do and give my best for the club.
“He listened to me, and gave me more responsibility which was what I wanted. I had a good relationship with him. He speaks very good English which helps me. I was able to speak to him a lot. We had things in common from working in England. I just enjoyed working with him.”
Bale’s injury problems worsened after Benitez’s departure and he missed seven league games between January and March due to a calf problem.
However, since returning the 26-year-old has been back in form and his two goals on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano inspired Zinedine Zidane’s to claim a vital 3-2 win at the Vallecas.
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