Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid have the answers as to why it took Gareth Bale so long to regain his best form.
Bale’s Spurs homecoming looked like it was going to be a flop after struggling with fitness issues that came as a result of two years of relative inactivity at the Spanish club.
The 31-year-old spent much of the first half of the campaign in the treatment room or the bench as Mourinho struggled to get anything out of him, but in recent weeks Bale has been resurgent.
His devastating display against Burnley, scoring two and making another, showed there is still life in his legs, which comes at a good time for Spurs heading into a crucial part of the season. But Mourinho says Madrid will know why it has taken until March for his fitness to reach its peak.
“Why for the past two years did he have what he had in Madrid? Ask them,” he said. “Maybe if they answer to you, you can understand better why it took a while, or maybe to be patient was the main reason for him to reach the level that he showed in the last couple of weeks.
Mourinho said after his display against Burnley that they would continue to manage his minutes, but confirmed he will be involved against Fulham on Thursday in some capacity.
“I believe so. Start the game, being on the bench, I don’t know. We have to decide,” Mourinho said. “He’s such an experienced guy that of course his opinion is very important. But good reaction, good recovery sessions. He will be involved. I repeat, bench or starting, but he will be there.”
Adelabu Mariam
