Wales boss Chris Coleman defends Gareth Bale amid Real Madrid troubles

Wales manager Chris Coleman has leapt to the defence of Gareth Bale following criticism of the Real Madrid star from the club's supporters and the press.

The former Tottenham Hotspur winger has become a scapegoat for those seeking somebody to blame for the La Liga giants' trophyless season.

Bale was singled out for criticism in the wake of Los Blancos' Champions League defeat to Juventus - particularly after the first leg - but Coleman insists that the problem stems from Real players not passing to Bale.

"[Bale] was heavily criticised after that first leg but I am seeing him in great positions and not receiving the ball from certain players," Sky Sports News quotes Coleman as saying.

"My assistant Osian [Roberts] called me up and I told him 'I know what you are going to say, they are not giving him the ball'.

"It wasn't Carlo Ancelotti's fault, it is down to the players on the pitch and it looked to me like he was being overlooked."

Coleman's comments echo remarks from Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett, who claimed that some of his client's teammates "do not pass the ball to him".