Bale Admits He’s Still In Pre-Season Mode
Gareth Bale has admitted he is still in pre-season mode after getting his first start for Tottenham Hotspurs against LASK in the Europa League on Thursday.
Bale rejoined Tottenham from Real Madrid on a season-long loan earlier this month and made his second debut for the club as a substitute against West Ham United over the weekend.
Tottenham dispatched LASK 3-0 in North London on Thursday, with Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min getting on the scoresheet while Bale forced an own goal from the away side.
The 31-year-old Wales international however failed to have a shot in the game and did not create any chance for his teammates before being substituted in the 62nd minute.
Having been restricted to bit-part roles in the latter periods of his Real Madrid spell and nursing an injury on his return to Spurs, Bale admitted he is yet to hit top form.
"We know these games are important. We went out there and did a great job. It wasn't our best performance but we were solid and most important is the three points," Bale told BT Sport post-match.
"I am a bit stiff. It is like a mini pre-season for me and I am trying to get minutes into the legs. Hopefully it won't take me long to get back up to full speed and I am enjoying being on the pitch and being back at this amazing club."
Asked what it's like being back at Spurs, Bale added: "It is amazing. It is a big reason why I play well and why I came back. You want to be loved and appreciated. I will give everything for this shirt.
"This is a great squad that has a lot of depth, hopefully we can use that to our advantage. It is always good to have competition to keep you on your toes."
