Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has made a crucial decision over Gareth Bale ahead of Champions League final.
The Wales international has struggled to establish a regular place in the Real starting XI this season, but he faced an intense competition from Isco, Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio.
Bale scored five times in his last five matches, including a stunning equaliser against Barcelona in the Clasico which convinced Zidane to give Bale a chance to start in tonight’s Champions League final for Real Madrid against Liverpool.
Speaking about the difficulties he faced in selecting his team, Zidane said yesterday: ‘Yes, of course (it’s the hardest part).
‘I’ve said this repeatedly, I think this is the worst moment for a coach, when you have to make the choice, especially for a final, because some players will put their jersey on and others won’t.
‘That’s the most difficult job for a manager, but I have to take that responsibility on and make that choice for the team.’