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REAL MADRID

Real Madrid: Zidane: "I don't know if Bale is focused"

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane admitted he doesn't know where Gareth Bale's head is right now following Sunday's defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

Update:
Real Madrid: Zidane: "I don't know if Bale is focused"
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Zinedine Zidane is unsure if Gareth Bale is focused at Real Madrid as the coach apologised for his side's shock defeat to Rayo Vallecano. Madrid's poor LaLiga season continued with a surprise 1-0 defeat away to Rayo, who climbed off the bottom of the table.

Bale started up front but was unable to have an impact and, with questions over the Welshman's future, Zidane said he was unsure about the 29-year-old's commitment. "I don't know if Bale is focused," he told a news conference. "You'll have to ask him."

Gareth Bale in action against Rayo Vallenco
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Gareth Bale in action against Rayo VallencoDenis DoyleGetty Images

Bale's last goal for Madrid was in the 2-0 win over Celta on 16 March. He has failed to find the net in all of the team's last seven games and it was significant that Zidane didn't defend him after Sunday's display in Vallecas.

Rayo's survival chances boosted, Madrid to finish third

Adri Embarba's first-half penalty was enough for Rayo, who kept their slim chances of survival alive, while Madrid are set to finish third. Zidane, who returned to the helm last month, blasted Madrid for their display at the Estadio de Vallecas.

"We haven't found the goal. We didn't do anything from the first minute to the end – at all levels, not only at the goal level," he said. "We haven't had anything and we haven't played anything. We have to be very angry. I'm very angry because our image today has been bad. I am responsible, not just the players. You have to apologise for everything we did today."