Real Madrid News
Jude Bellingham talks Kroos, Pintus, Vazquez, Brahim Diaz: “Just enjoy being around them”
Real Madrid have stacked their midfield with serious talent ahead of the 2023-24 season. Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham are two of the world’s brightest young talents in the middle of the park and will both be available at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal next season.
The Englishman, however, is the one who walks in under more pressure. With a hefty price tag pinned to his name, he enters the season with an immediate need to prove his worth. If the pre-season training sessions are anything to go by, he is already on the right track.
The young midfielder sat down earlier this week to give his first in-depth interview after joining training with his new club. He began with an account of the change in environment in Madrid and the challenge it brought with it.
“I think the biggest challenge for me has been the heat. I’m getting used to it, I’m feeling strong and good.”
It is no secret that Antonio Pintus is one of the core members of Los Blancos’ training staff. The fitness coach is known for his ruthless routines, and Bellingham pointed out the same in his interview.
“Pintus loves to kill us, and that’s his job I suppose. But yeah, I love him. He’s a great guy. The work we do now will show in the long run.”
Moving to Spain not only brings Bellingham to a new style of football but also a different cultural setup. He spoke about his chance to embrace a new way of life, saying,
“It’s very important for me to learn and embrace the Spanish culture. Take it all in and enjoy.”
It has only been a week since the English midfielder entered the Real Madrid dressing room. He highlighted how it was mingling about his new teammates, the reception he received as well as the ordeal of learning the new language.
“Adapting to new teammates? It’s been brilliant. They’re great lads, I just enjoy being around them. Regardless of what they have won, they are really down to earth.”
“Lucas Vázquez and Brahim Díaz are probably my biggest Spanish teachers. Everyone’s chipping in and teaching me bad words. I can’t wait to try them out.”
Toni Kroos is one of the English international’s role models. To train with the German maestro day in and day out is one of the many dreams Bellingham has seen over the years, and he did not hold back in praising the Real Madrid legend’s genius.
“Toni Kroos is a master. One thing I’ve noticed is his passing details. The ball just drops wherever he wants it to, all the time.”
“Having watched Kroos from the outside, it’s a pleasure to watch him up close. It’s really good being able to receive the ball from him, showing him what I can do too, and see how our skills can match.”
Source: Real Madrid official Twitter
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
