Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui praised Gareth Bale ahead of the side’s UEFA Super Cup clash against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The Welshman is expected to take centre stage at Madrid this season following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, and his manager was keen to talk up the 29-year-old.

“Bale is a player we love, he has been here a long time and has been training hard,” Lopetegui said at his pre-match press conference.

“He is motivated and is an important player who forms part of the team, and being a team is what is important.

“We need great players like him, and I’m more than happy with his work and attitude.

“We have player who is a super professional player in all aspects, who is training with the motivation of a youth player and who is helping us enormously.

“Yet I wouldn’t want to rely on one or two players.

“It is the team which is the main thing, and we will help Bale have a great season.”