Zidane: There's no solution with Bale because there's no problem Real Madrid Addressed Marcelo criticism

Rumours of a rift between Zinedine Zidane and Gareth Bale continues to be discussed, yet the Real Madrid head coach has stated that he has no problem with the Welsh forward.

Zidane has left Bale out of his last few matchday squads, though he intimated that the 30-year-old could return against Osasuna.

"We always talk, but I'm not going to tell you [what we say]," Zidane said during Saturday's pre-match press conference.

"That's not why I'm here.

"He hasn't been in the last few squad lists because I have to choose [a certain number of players].

"I'm counting on him because we know what he can give us.

"It's not a wake-up call when he hasn't been called up.

"The problem is me. They have to be okay to play. Our squad is very big.

"There's no solution with Gareth because there's no problem.

"It doesn't mean anything that he hasn't been called up for the last few games.

"I know he's going to give us something by the end of the season.

"Of course, he's very capable of training five days a week. He just did.

"He could make the squad list because he's ready.

"It'll be known by 5pm [CET]. He's all right."

Los Blancos were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night by Real Sociedad, with Zidane emphasising that there is a frustration but that they need to move on.

"We are not happy," Zidane stated.

"We analysed the game, but the good thing is that we play three days later.

"We're not going to throw away what we've done so far for one game.

"We haven't won and now losing to La Real isn't going to change anything.

"We have to fight until the end, starting with me. Nothing will change.

"We're strong enough to keep going."

Some of the Real Madrid players received criticism after the display, with Marcelo being pointed out in particular, yet Zidane accepts that there will be some days where those on the pitch don't perform up to expectation.

"What is said hurts me because he [Marcelo] gives everything on the pitch," Zidane acknowledged.

"The fans have seen it.

"We are not happy with what happened.

"We played 21 games without losing. And we want to go back to that.

"What's outside doesn't help. He looks good.

"He's an important player and he's going to prove it, just like he always has.

"It's very difficult to be at a good level for 60 or 70 games.

"You have to accept that [and] so do the players.

"It's a long season and we have to keep fighting.

"Marcelo gives everything on the pitch.

"The problem is when you lose a match, that's not going to change.

"What matters is that my players give 100 percent.

"Then you can have your say; we know how this works."

Looking ahead to the clash against Osasuna at El Sadar on Sunday night, Zidane realises that it will be a tough test for his team.

"We know what game we have [ahead of us]," he responded.

"A very difficult opponent, like their stadium.

"They're doing very well.

"We know all that and we're ready for another 'final.'"