Real Madrid News
Bellingham self-critical after Real Madrid thrash Malaga 4-0: ‘The last 20 minutes were terrible’
Jude Bellingham was once again Real Madrid’s standout player in the 4-0 victory over Malaga.
The Englishman opened the scoring for Los Blancos today at the Santiago Bernabeu with an excellent finish, then played a role in Alfonso Herrero’s own goal and once again left the Bernabéu to a standing ovation when he was substituted.
Bellingham enjoying his new role
After the match, Bellingham spoke to Real Madrid TV, and explained how much he is enjoying his new role under Jose Mourinho.
“Now I play a bit more freely, with the freedom to move further up or down the pitch, depending on what we need. I’m really enjoying it, that’s why I’m playing well,” he said.
That freedom has allowed Bellingham to become more involved in different areas of the pitch while maintaining his attacking influence.
His goal against Malaga was another example of the impact he can have when given greater freedom to arrive in the final third.
However, the Englishman was highly critical of his team’s performance during the closing stages.
“We played a fantastic first half. But the last 20 minutes were terrible. I don’t know why, but they weren’t good,” he stated.
Another ovation at the Bernabeu
Bellingham was also asked about the reception he received when he was replaced by Arda Guler, who went on to score Real Madrid’s fourth goal.
“It’s always very special. It’s an honor to play for this club, in this stadium, and with these fans. The ovation was beautiful,” said the Englishman, once again underlining his connection with the Bernabeu.
The midfielder also praised the depth of Mourinho’s squad, saying: “We have a very strong squad. We’re a great team with quality everywhere.
“When the manager wants to change something, those who didn’t play the other day are smart. That’s why they played so well today.”
For Madridistas, the early signs of the Mourinho era are encouraging, with Bellingham emerging as one of the biggest positives three games into the season.
The England midfielder’s greater freedom is bringing out his best football, although his criticism after the Malaga game also showed that he expects Real Madrid to maintain their level until the final whistle.
Real Madrid News
Rayo Vallecano manager names the one Real Madrid figure he would remove from the team
Rayo Vallecano face a daunting trip to the Santiago Bernabeu to take on a wounded Real Madrid this weekend.
Life after Inigo Perez has not been kind to the Vallecas-based club, who have already had to travel to Camp Nou and now face a trip to the home of their city giants.
Speaking ahead of the game (h/t Madrid Xtra), Rayo Vallecano manager Benat San Jose was asked which Real Madrid player he would like to remove from the team before this weekend’s game.
Surprisingly, his choice was not Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior or Thibaut Courtois.
“Mourinho”
Asked which Madrid player he would take out of the upcoming contest, Benat jokingly chose the man sitting on the opposition bench.
“Which Real Madrid player I’d remove from the match against them? Mourinho,” Benat said with a laugh.
The answer might have been delivered jokingly, but the Rayo coach immediately made clear just how highly he rates the Portuguese manager.
“He’s one of the best managers in history,” he added.
It is significant praise ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid’s squad contains enough individual quality to give any opposition coach several obvious answers, but Benat instead highlighted the influence Mourinho can have over the entire team.
That has become particularly relevant since the Portuguese coach returned to Madrid. His early work has focused on making a talented group function with greater collective discipline.
Courtois and Madrid’s attack also praised
Benat did not stop with the manager.
“They also have one of the best GKs in history and one of the best attackers in history,” he said.
Benat will definitely have seen how Thibaut Courtois played against Inter Milan in midweek and will hope that version does not turn up again this weekend.
Even when teams manage to create opportunities against Madrid, they still have to beat one of the defining goalkeepers of his generation.
At the opposite end, Madrid possess attacking quality capable of turning a match on its head.
The likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham can all decide matches single-handedly.
Madrid have a point to prove
Madrid are coming off a disappointing loss to Real Betis in La Liga last weekend and will come into this game with a point to prove.
They will want to ensure that the loss to the Andalusian club was a one-off and that they return to winning ways against Rayo.
Their title rivals, Barça, have been flying high in the league, scoring goals and picking opponents apart for fun.
Madrid need to ensure that they do not hand too much early incentive to Barça, and it remains to be seen how Los Blancos fare against Rayo Vallecano.
