As Real Madrid prepares for a crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund and the looming El Clásico against arch-rivals Barcelona, manager Carlo Ancelotti has come out in staunch defense of midfielder Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old England international has found himself under unexpected scrutiny of late, with his goal tally noticeably diminished compared to his stellar output last season.
Form Shift Sparks Dialogue, Not Doubt
Bellingham burst onto the scene last campaign, not only cementing his status as one of Europe’s most promising young talents but also raising eyebrows with an impressive 23 goals across all competitions. It was a remarkable feat for a central midfielder, one that played a pivotal role in Madrid’s success. However, nine matches into the new season, the goals have dried up, prompting murmurs among some sections of the media and fanbase.
Ancelotti, though, remains unperturbed. In a press conference ahead of the Dortmund game, the Italian made it abundantly clear that Bellingham’s value to the team extends far beyond his goal tally. “We’re satisfied with his work, I’m very satisfied,” Ancelotti stated emphatically. “He works a lot, he’s always present, he competes, he fights, he sacrifices himself.”
Tactical Evolution and Mbappé Effect
The arrival of superstar forward Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics of Madrid’s attacking play. Bellingham’s role has evolved as a result, with the youngster often deployed in a wider position on the right flank. While this tactical tweak may have impacted his goal output, Ancelotti is quick to emphasize that it’s Bellingham’s overall contribution that matters most.
“It’s true he hasn’t scored the goals he scored last year, but the surprise isn’t this year, the surprise was last year, when he scored lots of goals which nobody expected and helped us a lot. The problem this year isn’t that we’re lacking Bellingham’s goals.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti’s faith in his squad’s offensive firepower is unwavering. With the likes of Mbappé, Benzema, and Vinícius Júnior leading the line, goals are expected to flow. What the manager values most from Bellingham in the current setup is his tireless work rate, his ability to compete for every ball, and his willingness to sacrifice for the team’s cause.
Unbeaten but Not Unblemished
Despite their unbeaten start to the LaLiga campaign, Ancelotti acknowledges that Madrid has room for improvement. The win against Celta Vigo over the weekend was hard-fought, with the team not always convincing in their play. “We aren’t 100%, obviously,” the boss admitted. “We’ve got good results, but we have to improve in terms of our play, and little by little, we will.”
Defensive solidity is an area of particular focus for Ancelotti. Last season’s Champions League-winning side was built on a rock-solid foundation at the back, a level that the current team is yet to consistently reach. “We have to defend better, as we did last year. Right now the team is less solid, and we’re working on that.”
Clásico Clash and Bellingham’s Role
As the Clásico showdown looms large on the horizon, just three points separate Madrid from table-toppers Barcelona. It’s a match that could have significant implications for the title race, even at this early stage of the season. And while the spotlight may shine brightest on the likes of Mbappé and Benzema, Ancelotti knows that it’s players like Bellingham, toiling tirelessly in the engine room, that often make the difference in such high-stakes affairs.
The young Englishman’s ability to cover ground, break up play, and launch counter-attacks could be crucial against a Barcelona side that has hit a rich vein of form. With five wins from their last five, including a 5-1 demolition of Sevilla, the Catalans will provide a stern test of Madrid’s mettle.
But Ancelotti’s faith in Bellingham is unwavering. Goals or no goals, the manager recognizes the immense value that the midfielder brings to this Real Madrid side. As Los Blancos gear up for a season-defining week, Bellingham’s work ethic, sacrificial spirit, and competitive fire could prove to be their secret weapon. The goals, Ancelotti believes, will take care of themselves.
As the Clásico showdown looms large on the horizon, just three points separate Madrid from table-toppers Barcelona. It’s a match that could have significant implications for the title race, even at this early stage of the season. And while the spotlight may shine brightest on the likes of Mbappé and Benzema, Ancelotti knows that it’s players like Bellingham, toiling tirelessly in the engine room, that often make the difference in such high-stakes affairs.
The young Englishman’s ability to cover ground, break up play, and launch counter-attacks could be crucial against a Barcelona side that has hit a rich vein of form. With five wins from their last five, including a 5-1 demolition of Sevilla, the Catalans will provide a stern test of Madrid’s mettle.
But Ancelotti’s faith in Bellingham is unwavering. Goals or no goals, the manager recognizes the immense value that the midfielder brings to this Real Madrid side. As Los Blancos gear up for a season-defining week, Bellingham’s work ethic, sacrificial spirit, and competitive fire could prove to be their secret weapon. The goals, Ancelotti believes, will take care of themselves.
