Gareth Bale has deflected any suggestion that his future at Real Madrid is in doubt by insisting he is happy to play under new boss Zinedine Zidane.

The Welsh wizard made public his disappointment that Rafael Benitez was removed from his post in the Spanish capital last week; however he was the star performer as the Zidane era began with a 5-0 demolition of Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu.

Zidane insisted this week that Bale had a huge role to play at Madrid and that stance was justified as the 26-year-old racked up a hat-trick in the win. And Bale was quick to point out afterwards that he is looking forward to playing under the Frenchman.

“Everyone knows the player who Zidane was and I think there are no doubts he’ll be a really good manager too,” he told the press.

“I have the same freedom with Zidane that I did with Benitez. I’m happy I scored those goals but the most important thing are the three points and that we won as a team.

“I am very happy. These three points were very important. We are professionals and we must work throughout the season.”

Zidane was also fulsome in his praise of the winger afterwards, paying tribute to his finishing skills. The 1998 World Cup winner said Bale’s attitude without the ball is important but that he must have the freedom to express himself when Real are attacking.

“The work Gareth must do is the same as everyone. When we don’t have the ball we must be compact and defend. When we have the ball, to open up the pitch, and to play,” Zidane said.

Zidane’s second La Liga game in charge is also at home, this time against Sporting Gijon. Real are 9.00 to post another 5-0 win while they are 1.36 to lead at half time and win the game.