Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui has insisted Gareth Bale will stay at Santiago Bernabeu this summer to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left to Juventus last month.
Lopetegui has delighted with the work done by Bale but he refuses to compare the Wales man to Ronaldo after a 2-1 victory over AS Roma in the 2018 International Champions Cup.
Bale took the reins of the new Real. He was the author of a decisive and a goal during the triumph in New Jersey, USA, but his manager wanted to take some of the weight off his shoulders. Loptegui has put a lot of hope on the 29-year-old, but he knows that the pressure is bad side in football.
“It’s not about replacing someone or filling that role. It’s about being part of a team. Gareth is obviously a great player. He has been and he will be, but it’s not for me to make comparisons. That’s for you guys.” Lopetegui said.
“He doesn’t put the team on his back. He’s a great player that gives the best for his team, but the team ha to play for each other.
“It’s not about him putting the team on his back. It’s about the team pushing everybody. He’s a great player and I’m convinced he’ll have a great season.” the former Spain manager added.
Mateo Kovacic has been unable to establish himself in the starting XI at Real Madrid. (Source:www.thesun.co.uk)
On the other side, barring a turnaround, Mateo Kovacic should leave to Chelsea on loan. The Croatian midfielder, who has shown his desire for many weeks, should be the key to unlock the transfer of the Blues goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to Real.
Kovacic has been at Real for three seasons but has been unable to establish himself in the starting XI with his team-mates Luca Modric and Toni Kroos in his way.
Asked about Kovacic, Lopetegui did not confirm the transfer his player this summer but the Spaniard insisted the 24-year-old is very happy at Real so far.
“At the moment nothing is done 100%, he has expressed his desire to leave and we will see how it all ends, although he would have been an important player. We will have to find a player of his level, who allows the balance of the team,” Lopetegui said.
“I’ve not seen that Kovacic gone on strike. He trained normally. Mateo is a member of the squad, and I am delighted with him.” Lopetegui added.
