Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ‘nothing changes’ for Jude Bellingham following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe.
A move long in the making, Mbappe finally left Paris Saint-Germain for Los Blancos this summer at the end of his contract.
Bellingham was the catalyst for Madrid last season, notching an incredible 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions to help the club lift La Liga, Champions League and Supercopa titles.
The 21-year-old primarily played as an attacking midfielder during his Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund days. However, he often played in a more advanced role during 2023/24, even occupying the No.9 spot on numerous occasions.
Mbappe’s arrival leaves Ancelotti with a headache when it comes to fitting the Frenchman into the team alongside Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Bellingham and fellow new signing Endryk.
For Bellingham, at least, Ancelotti insists it’ll be business as usual.
“Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes,” he said (via BBC Sport). “The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy.
“The next season will not be different. He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot the team with his quality.”
Bellingham scored twice to help England reach the final of Euro 2024 this summer, eventually losing 2-1 to Spain.
His most famous moment was undoubtedly the overhead kick equaliser in the final moments of their round-of-16 tie against Slovakia, sending the game into extra-time, where Harry Kane scored the winner.
However, Bellingham, Gareth Southgate and the England team as a whole came under heavy criticism throughout the tournament from fans and pundits for some poor performances, struggling through games despite boasting immense attacking talent.
But Ancelotti has a very different view, crediting both Bellingham and England for their showing in Germany.
“This is an opinion but Bellingham played really well at the Euros,” said Ancelotti, when asked about criticism of the England midfielder following some of his performances at the European Championship.
“England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning it.”
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