Carlo Ancelotti: 'Gareth Bale has been in and out'

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that Gareth Bale has had an "in and out" season.

The Welshman has largely impressed during his first season in Madrid, scoring 16 times and registering 15 assists in 34 games.

However, the 24-year-old has been criticised for a couple of under-par performances, which Ancelotti has claimed is normal.

"I think it's true that he's a bit in and out, but that's a characteristic of an attacker. You can't be a constant influence like a player such as Xabi Alonso, for example," he told reporters at a press conference.

Bale cost in the region of £80m from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.