Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Gareth Bale is having a 'fantastic season'

Gareth Bale: Had backing of his manager

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Gareth Bale is having a "fantastic season" and insisted he is ignoring any criticism directed at him.

Bale has been questioned in the Spanish press in recent weeks for being too selfish in missing opportunities against Valencia, Espanyol and Real Sociedad with teammates waiting for a pass to apply the finishing touch.

Fans also made their feelings known in the 4-1 victory over La Real, with a section of the Bernabeu crowd voicing their discontent towards the Welsh winger.

However, Ancelotti pointed to Bale's record in scoring in three finals in 2014, as well as the 27 assists he has provided in little over 18 months at the club to dismiss criticism of the 25-year-old.

"Bale is doing everything to help the team. He did very well last year, scoring in all the finals we played," Ancelotti said.

"He is having a fantastic season and we are at ease because he is playing well for the team.

"I don't think I heard whistles (from the crowd) in the game against Real Sociedad. He had some great moves which the crowd appreciated."

Bale played on the left side of Madrid's attack in the win over Sociedad on Saturday as Cristiano Ronaldo served the first of a two-game ban.

However, Ancelotti insisted that Ronaldo and Bale would return to their normal position for this weekend's Madrid derby away to champions Atletico.

"Bale likes to play more on the right because he has more opportunities to shoot at goal than on the left wing," added the Italian.