Cristiano Ronaldo should publicly state he has no issues with Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, according to Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard.
Bale came in for criticism from some Real supporters last month when he opted to shoot instead of pass to Ronaldo during their 3-0 win over Espanyol.
Ronaldo has since urged supporters to get behind "key player" Bale, although that has not halted booing from some supporters.
The Wales international was not at his best during Real's 2-0 win at Schalke on Wednesday night, while Ronaldo was on target and also assisted Marcelo's strike.
Lampard is concerned Bale is being too "nice" and has urged the former Tottenham player to trust his instincts when playing, rather than be unselfish.
"I get the feeling he is a nice boy," Lampard told Sky Sports. "There is a bit of ego and he should have some because of what he has achieved in the game, but maybe there is a moment when he thinks 'should I go for goal and take it on or should I look for the other option in case I get criticised?'
"I hope that goes out of his game very quickly because if that is there it is going to affect him.
"If he hasn't passed to Cristiano once and it's not come off and there are a few boos then it's only going to be detrimental to the team and to those two as individuals.
"I would like to see Cristiano come out and say there is no issue because he is the boss really and he maybe needs to say that.
"He [Bale] might come through this phase even stronger. He might beat three players next week and put it in the top corner."
Regarding his display at the Veltins-Arena, Bale said: "I haven't really adapted my style of play. In certain games, if a sight of goal has opened up I'll take it.
"But tonight I think my teammates were in better positions and I tried to play the ball around."