Real Madrid fans haven’t always been kind to Gareth Bale, and he made a wise point about booing being counterproductive.
It’s honestly been sad to see how the relationship between Real Madrid and Gareth Bale has deteriorated over the last couple of years. Without turning this into a commentary about what’s happened or even get into the dreaded finger-pointing game, I think most fans can agree that it’s a shame it’s gotten to this point.
I also think that many Madridistas can agree with Bale. It really isn’t productive for fans to whistle their own players.
In an interview with the Erik Anders Lang Show, Bale spoke about what it’s like being booed by his own fans, and it was an important conversation for the star player to have. It’s easy to get frustrated with Bale sleeping on the bench or making golfing jokes, but that stuff isn’t a big deal. What is a big deal is hurting somebody’s confidence when they may be at a low point.
Here’s the transcription of what Bale said, via AS:
"“This is the BIGGEST question! I just don’t get it. Because if you’re not having a good time on the pitch, you would expect your fans to get behind you and try and make you do better because that will make them happy. But it seems to be they do the opposite. They just whistle you, which makes you feel worse, so you lose your confidence. They you play worse, which is going to make them even more upset. It’s sort of a Real Madrid thing. Other clubs do it, but Real Madrid are especially known for it… So, I might have just missed an easy chance to score a goal. And the whistles come and you think: ‘My confidence is already down because I missed an easy goal and now it’s just going even more down.’ And the next time a chance comes the goal seems tiny. It’s like a putt. The goal just gets smaller.”"
The golf analogy at the end really puts it into perspective. Booing a player just makes the problem worse, because it compounds additional pressure. When Bale isn’t playing well, he knows he isn’t playing well. He’s a superstar player who holds himself to a high standard and is capable of scoring bicycle kicks in UEFA Champions Leagues or weaving inch-perfect outside-the-boot assists, which he did in October vs. Granada.
The quote from Bale may be old from earlier this year, but it still rings true. Bale’s days at Real Madrid may be numbered due to the transfer rumors, and all it takes is one team willing to give the talented player another shot.
But if Bale stays for another season and fans are able to watch the games in the crowd, it’s important for Madridistas to understand that booing is no solution. Bale is already dealing with a lot of stress of injuries, transfer rumors, feeling like he isn’t at his best anymore, and the boos just add to all that.
Fans like to let their players know when they expect more, and that’s understandable. But in this case, if it’s not actually helping, then what purpose does it serve other than arrogance and just plan meanness?
Bale has done a lot for this club, and while it is true that he cannot start if he’s not the best option, it’s also true that fans should support their players, especially a multi-time Champions League winner like Bale. He’s earned that respect.