Carlo Ancelotti remains defiant that Gareth Bale will soon rediscover his best form after the Welshmen was lambasted for his performance in Real Madrid’s midweek Champions League loss at Juventus.

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Bale, playing in an unfamiliar centre forward position, was virtually anonymous in the disappointing and deserved 2-1 defeat to the Italians champions, touching the ball fewer times than any other starting player (27) and completing fewer passes (16) than Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (20).

It was also widely pointed out that Bale managed no shots on target and created no chances during the clash against Juventus.

Condemnation of the former Tottenham star’s performance was heavy from all quarters, with ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane perhaps delivering the strongest criticism as he told British television that Bale’s performance had effectively forced Madrid to “play with 10 men”.

Ancelotti claimed to be unconcerned, though, sticking up for his club’s record signing by arguing that facts and figures do not tell the full story of a game.

“I don’t read statistics because they don’t give me a great idea of how the game went,” blasted the Italian coach, who also disagreed with the suggestion that Bale had played particularly badly.

“His game in Turin was like Real Madrid’s game as a whole,” he said.

And he also dismissed the notion that Bale is in need of a motivational chat from his manager, adding: “I don’t need to talk to him. He will be playing well again soon.”

Fortunately for both Bale and Ancelotti, the Welshman’s switch to the centre forward role is unlikely to be repeated against Valencia tonight because Karim Benzema is back in the squad following three weeks out with a knee injury.

However, Ancelotti admitted that the French striker might not be able to play the full game, conceding: “Benzema is available but he still isn’t 100 per cent.

“We have good feelings about him and he is in the squad. I’ll decide nearer kick off whether he starts or comes off the bench.”

Benzema’s return could also signal an end to Sergio Ramos’s stint in the centre of midfield, which was also heavily criticised in the wake of the loss against Juventus.

With Isco and James Rodriguez potentially available to line up alongside Toni Kroos in the middle of the pitch, Ramos will be allowed to return to his more accustomed central defensive position.

But Ancelotti insisted that Ramos’s changed role has not proven a failure, arguing: “He has done very well and I don’t think it is reckless to play him in midfield. We beat Atletico and Sevilla like that.”