Real Madrid vs. Juventus: Carlo Ancelotti Slams Gareth Bale's Agent in Presser

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has criticised Gareth Bale's agent in his pre-match presser ahead of Los Blancos' must-win Champions League semi-final second-leg clash with Juventus.

Jonathan Barnett, one of Bale's representatives, suggested the Welshman's career is stuttering because his team-mates don't pass him the ball, as reported by John Percy of Telegraph Sport. Ancelotti isn't happy with this claim and indicates Barnett's assertions are rubbish, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

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Barnett used statistics to suggest Bale isn't receiving enough of the ball after the player was criticised for his first-leg performance against Juventus, as reported by Percy:

"

We’ve been vindicated by these statistics and it’s what we’ve been saying all along. It proves that people don’t know what they’re talking about when they criticise Gareth, they are not looking at it properly. 

Real have to work with Gareth and pass the ball to him more. Give him more of the ball and let him show everybody what he’s good at. He’s going to be the best player at Real Madrid when his team-mates work with him and help him. Hopefully Real will come to terms with this.

"

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Amazingly, Barnett even suggested Bale is "obviously p----d off things aren't going well" at the Bernabeu. This kind of comment doesn't help the player's difficult season—in which he has been jeered by Madrid fans—and is perhaps best kept private. It may even fuel rumours of him joining Manchester United or Chelsea, links which continue to appear, per John Cross of the Mirror.

Real midfielder James Rodriguez also spoke about Barnett's comments, per Nicholas Rigg of AS:

B/R UK's Guillem Balague believes Barnett is correct but doesn't believe Madrid are solely at fault:

It's fair to imagine an awkward situation in Madrid's dressing room now. The squad are obviously aware of Barnett's comments. Does Bale address the situation or just remain quiet? Will Madrid's players now feel inclined to pass toward him when he bursts forward? Whether you agree with Barnett's view or not, there's no denying he has done the former Tottenham man no favours.

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More positively for Madrid, Ancelotti confirmed striker Karim Benzema is fit to feature against Juventus, as reported by the Spanish club's Twitter account:

Juve dominated the midfield in the opening tie, exploiting the out-of-position Sergio Ramos with quick, sweeping moves through the centre. Ancelotti suggests he may continue to use the centre-back in defensive midfield, per Rigg:

Madrid's away goal gives them plenty of hope ahead of Wednesday's match. Juventus impressed during the first 90 minutes but halting the Spanish giants on their own turf is a monumental task. Massimiliano Allegri's side will take heart from Valencia's 2-2 draw in the Spanish capital on Saturday, though.

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A 1-0 win would be enough to see the current Champions League holders through, although it would be risky to suggest Juventus won't score. Ancelotti will be looking for a fast-paced opening, preferably resulting in a goal, to place pressure on the Italian visitors.

Bale has the capacity to be a key player, but he is likely to come under greater pressure now a public war of words has been initiated between his agent and coach.