Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale has come under fire at Real Madrid after a series of poor displays Getty Images

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has told Gareth Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett to remain silent after he recently claimed the former Tottenham star is struggling at the Santiago Bernabeu because his team-mates are not passing to him.

The Welshman has been under increasing scrutiny at the Champions League winners during his second season in La Liga with some reports claiming he is even considering returning to the Premier League – with both Manchester United and Chelsea monitoring the situation.

Having failed to score a goal in his last six appearances for Ancelotti's side, many pundits both in Spain and England criticised his recent performance against Juventus during the Serie A giants 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League first-leg semi-final.

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Bale's agent then came out to defend his client, while increasing the speculation about his unhappiness with life in La Liga while blaming his team-mates about the former Tottenham hero's situation.

"Real have to work with Gareth and pass the ball to him more. Give him more of the ball and let him show everybody what he's good at. He's going to be the best player at Real Madrid when his team-mates work with him and help him. Hopefully Real will come to terms with this," Barnett said to The Telegraph.

And speaking ahead of the second leg against Juventus on Wednesday 13 May, Ancelotti has said: "In this world, many people talk and sometimes they do it too much."

"He has not come to see a training session, he speaks from outside. Bale has had no problems with his team-mates and they are good with him. He [Barnett] could remain silent. Bale is delighted to be here and it would have been better if [Barnett] had remained silent."

"He has had a good season. Last year, he scored in the finals and he could have the opportunity to do the same this year. We are happy."

Meanwhile the Real Madrid manager expressed his confidence about triumphing in the tie at the Santiago Bernabeu to reach the final.

"This is an important moment in the season, because we're very close to our target. We're raring to go and we're going to do everything possible to win. The stats are stacked against us, but we're going to try to reach the final again," he said.

Meanwhile, asked about Casillas' situation after the keeper exploded against his own fans whistles during the La Liga 2-2 draw against Valencia at the weekend, he said: "It upsets everyone when a player gets booed, but I believe that Casillas is experienced enough that it won't affect him.

"On the contrary, it will give him extra motivation. Sometimes I can understand the boos, if you don't play well. But in Iker's case, like I said before about Cristiano, the booing is incomprehensible at this stage."

Nevertheless, he refused to confirm he will stay at the Santiago Bernabeu next season amid reports claiming they are ready to sign Manchester United keeper David de Gea to replace him.

"Iker has said that he wants to stay on several occasions. The coach, his team-mates and the club have faith in him. But it's up to everyone to make their personal decisions."