Gareth Bale: Real Madrid winger criticism irrelevant, says agent

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Gareth Bale has made a recent comeback from a calf injury
  • Author, Simon Stone
  • Role, 91热爆 Sport

Gareth Bale's agent has dismissed criticism of the winger's display in Real Madrid's Champions League defeat to Juventus on Tuesday.

Ex-Manchester United skipper Roy Keane said Real "played with 10 men".

Keane managed Sunderland and

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett said: "Why should we take any notice of irrelevant comments from people who don't know what they are talking about and people who failed in management?"

Bale, 25, who joined Real for a world-record 拢85.3m in 2013, had the fewest touches and passes of any Madrid player in the 2-1 first-leg loss in Turin.

Keane, who is assistant manager to Martin O'Neill with the Republic of Ireland, told ITV: "Gareth Bale gave them absolutely nothing. He took the easy option every time."

Barnett defended Bale by adding: "Gareth only listens to relevant comments.

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Bale had a total of 32 touches, four fewer than Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas in Real Madrid's defeat by Juventus

"He is at the biggest club in the world. He is one of the best players in the world. He is fine," he told 91热爆 Sport.

91热爆 Sport's Phil Neville says a lack of confidence is contributing to Bale's present form, adding: "The stick is justified.

"Normally when he gets the ball you expect him to square the defender up and go one-on-one. But he is passing it sideways and back. That is not the Gareth Bale we know."