Story perspectives

Ancelotti Reveals Perez Pressured Bale Position Change

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Carlo Ancelotti, former Real Madrid coach, says Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president, pressured him to reposition Gareth Bale as an attacker.
Bale, who typically played on the right, was unhappy with his role.
In his book Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti recounted a meeting with Perez in which he learned Bale's unhappiness.
Ancelotti emphasized that changing the formation for one player was not feasible.
Zinedine Zidane has since reverted to a 4-3-3 formation.

1 of 1

Story summary

Carlo Ancelotti, former Real Madrid coach, says Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president, pressured him to reposition Gareth Bale as an attacker.
Bale, who typically played on the right, was unhappy with his role.
In his book Quiet Leadership, Ancelotti recounted a meeting with Perez in which he learned Bale's unhappiness.
Ancelotti emphasized that changing the formation for one player was not feasible.
Zinedine Zidane has since reverted to a 4-3-3 formation.