Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has joked that he is looking forward to seeing the reaction of the Madrid press after Gareth Bale came off the bench to score a 2-1 winner against Brighton on Sunday.
The Welshman found himself alone in the box as he denied Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Reguilon to help Spurs to a stunning victory and move up to second in the Premier League table.
The goal for which you waited seven years…
? @GarethBale11 is back! ? #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/x6Jr4bZb60
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 1, 2020
After the game, Mourinho confirmed (via football.london) that Bale is close to full fitness and will be ready to start league play soon, but he was pleased to see the winger making an impact from the bench.
“He hasn’t had 90 minutes of a Premier League match in his legs yet so we’re using the Europa League to complement his training,” Mourinho said. “We’re using some matches in the Premier League when we decide to play him and the normal trend for him will definitely be better and better.
“That’s it. He’ll start again on Thursday and even in a Europa League game when the intensity is different to the Premier League I won’t play him for 90 minutes. I’ll always be careful with him when Until we feel he is ready.
Mourinho admits Bale is close to full fitness / Julian Finney / Getty Images
“Big impact today, very important goal for us and then he joined Harry in a very experienced way to play the last 15 minutes of the game, both very smart, very intelligent, both very good, the ball. Catching up, bringing the ball in. Areas where they can’t hurt us.
“So I’m very happy for him, but especially very happy for him because he deserves it. When I have five minutes I’ll go on a safari to see the websites of Madrid to see what they’re up to. say.”
For the record, there have already been some articles about the goal in the Spanish media, and the fact that it was a regular assist didn’t help.
Great win. Great batting performance all over the pitch. Congratulations to @GarethBale11 on the winner? #COYS pic.twitter.com/Zed67fKxNQ
—Harry Kane (@HKane) November 1, 2020
It was Bale’s first goal in ten months, but the Welshman was quick to remind fans that stats don’t always tell the whole story.
“I haven’t scored since January but it’s only been about five games!” He said via BBC Sport. “It seems worse in months.
“Since I’ve been back, it’s been amazing, I’ve settled in straight away and the team have been fantastic with me. I’m delighted to be here and playing football again for a great club.”
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