Real Madrid News
Bellingham sends signal to Mourinho after red-hot form for England: ‘At Real Madrid I play differently, a little deeper…’
Jude Bellingham has been on fire for England at the FIFA World Cup and has thrived as the team’s attacking midfielder under Thomas Tuchel.
He scored in the team’s opener against Croatia and was named the man of the match, then went on to earn the same accolade in the team’s disappointing draw against Ghana.
Last night, he again stepped up with a goal and an assist for the Three Lions and is, quite clearly, setting the tournament on fire.
Bellingham speaks on his and England’s performance
Having won his third straight MVP award in the event, Bellingham addressed the media after England’s win over Panama.
He was asked if the current version of him was the best all season, to which he humbly replied,
“I don’t know. I don’t know if this Bellingham is the best of the season. Hopefully for the rest (of the tournament) we can have the best Bellingham,” he said, as quoted by AS.
The player then opened up about England’s second-half performance which showed a sense of freshness compared to the opening 45 minutes.
“In the second half, we were more clinical in what we were doing. I think that, of course, in my game, for me, it is a responsibility to take the team to another level.”
Finally, the player opened up on his relationship with Harry Kane, whom he assisted for the team’s second goal.
“I have built a good relationship with Harry in the last four or five years, especially after Qatar. We are playing very well together and it is an honour to play with him.”
“He is the best player in England of all time. He is the one who appears more than anyone, any player from England. It’s pretty easy to play with it, it’s just amazing,” he added.
“We don’t doubt him at all wherever he’s involved, he makes the difference as he is today,” he concluded.
On the difference in playing for club and country
He was then asked what made the difference between his level for club and country, and he insisted that it was likely the position he played in.
“I don’t think it’s about trust. At Real Madrid, I play differently, a little deeper [on the field].”
The Englishman then explained the exact difference in position that makes him thrive on the field and how his role for the country embraces that niche.
“With England, I’m a 10 or even an 8 a little more advanced. I don’t care where I play on the field, the position. I always want to play well for my team,” he added.
With Jose Mourinho set to take over as new manager at Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see how the manager decides to utilise the talismanic midfielder.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
