Solari: The Spotlight Is On Bale
Gareth Bale has been encouraged to show his quality at Real Madrid by caretaker manager Santiago Solari.
Santiago Solari has urged Gareth Bale to make the most of his time in the "spotlight" and show his quality consistently for Real Madrid.
So often the understudy to Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portugal star's time at the club, it was hoped Bale would become the leading figure of the Madrid attack following Ronaldo's move to Juventus.
Despite this, Solari still hopes to see the Wales international take his chance to shine for Madrid on a regular basis.
"He has the spotlight. I hope he shows us his huge talent," he told a news conference. "We want to enjoy him every day; he's a fantastic player."
When asked whether a softer or more strict approach towards Bale and his other players was required, Solari replied: "I don't believe in characteristics like that. There is time for everything. You like to put people in boxes, pigeonhole them... everyone has their own style.
"I want to show you the values of Real Madrid: ambition, the desire to attack, to go for goal, sacrifice, not giving up... values that we know this club instills."
Solari secured a 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Melilla on Wednesday in his first match since taking over as interim head coach following Julen Lopetegui's dismissal.