Gareth Bale warns ‘many things are not working’ at Real Madrid after defeat

Gareth Bale warned that 'a lot of things are not working' at Real Madrid after the club's dismal 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, but backed Kylian Mbappe to prove he is 'the best in the world'.

Madrid's Champions League title defense is in a precarious position after Wednesday's defeat at Anfield, with both Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo getting on the scoresheet.

Carlo Ancelotti's superstar side sit 25th in the newly revised Champions League standings, while Liverpool are back in top spot, and Madrid icon Bale believes things are in disarray at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bale is a club icon in Spain, having won five Champions League titles, along with three LaLiga victories and other major honors during a nine-year spell at the club.

The now retired Welshman played in his prime in Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, but still managed to become one of the best in the world after a difficult start at the club.

Bale has now thrown his support behind Mbappe, who has struggled to establish himself at Madrid and missed a crucial penalty against Anfield in what was a torrid performance from the Frenchman.

'He [Mbappe] is the best in the world and it's only a matter of time before he proves it,” Bale told TNT Sports.

“Salah and he missed penalties, but since Liverpool won, all we talk about is Mbappe's.

'Liverpool did much better by far. They dominated the match from start to finish,” he added.

Mbappe was played in his preferred left-wing role in the absence of Vincius Jr., but was ineffective against Liverpool's well-drilled defense and subsequently came under heavy criticism from the Spanish press.

The 15-time European Cup winner is facing an injury crisis, with Vinicius joining Rodrygo, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni on the sidelines.

Defensive injuries have forced Ancelotti to try experimental formations and play stars out of position, with Bale believing his former club are struggling to find a solution to the current crisis.

'It is very difficult to compete under these conditions with so many injuries. A lot of things aren't working right now [at Madrid]Bale said.

“Real Madrid are going through a difficult period but we know they will always find a way to get over it,” he added.