Real Madrid News
Real Madrid growing concerned over key midfielder’s alarming dip in form
Jude Bellingham’s fairytale start to life at Real Madrid has hit a rough patch. According to MARCA’s Jose Felix Díaz, both the coaching staff and the club’s executives at Valdebebas are increasingly concerned about the midfielder’s sharp decline in form this season.
While his debut campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, expectations have not been met in his second season, and Real Madrid are beginning to demand more.
Bellingham burst onto the scene last season and was arguably the most impactful player in La Liga for several months.
His performances quickly silenced any doubts surrounding his €100 million-plus transfer fee, delivering goals, assists, and relentless intensity from midfield.
But that version of Bellingham seems to have faded this season, and Real Madrid are actively investigating why.
Real Madrid want to understand the reasons
Internally, there have been discussions not just about his statistics, which, while decent, are no longer exceptional, but also about his overall influence on games.
He has netted 13 goals this season, a respectable number for a midfielder, but one that pales in comparison to the 23 he scored in his debut campaign.
More than the goals, it is his lack of assertiveness in big moments and his drop in presence on the pitch that have raised eyebrows.
Carlo Ancelotti, never one to ignore a slump in one of his key players, reportedly took time to speak privately with Bellingham to understand whether there are off-field factors affecting him.
The Italian tactician has noticed a shift in the midfielder’s behaviour and intensity compared to last season and has made it clear that Real Madrid expects more. Ancelotti’s message was simple: leave the past behind and re-focus on being decisive.
There is still a strong belief at the club in Bellingham’s long-term value, and nobody questions his talent or potential..
Real Madrid are urging him to remember why he was brought in, to be the future of the midfield, a leader, and a game-changer in decisive moments.
The club knows that elite players are judged not just on talent, but on consistency and influence when it matters most.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho does not want Real Madrid new signing to be affected by price tag, will continue slow integration
Real Madrid had an explosive summer transfer window with as many as six new big signings coming through to strengthen the first-team squad, while Sergio Martinez was also roped in with an eye on the future.
Up until Friday, things were going well for Jose Mourinho & co., but the 1-0 loss to Real Betis has put the team under the scanner once again.
Questions are being asked, in particular, of the club’s most explosive signing, Yan Diomande.
Mourinho not changing plans with Diomande
However, according to journalist Alvaro Esteban, Mourinho will continue with the plan of integrating Diomande slowly into the team.
The Real Madrid boss does not want the 19-year-old winger to be negatively affected by his massive price tag this summer and the pressure generated because of it.
After all, Los Blancos shelled out an enormous €125 million plus €15 million in add-ons to sign Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Should all the variables be met, he will become the most expensive signing in Real Madrid history. And, naturally, such a price tag brings with it a great deal of pressure.
As such, Mourinho wants to make sure that the Ivory Coast international is not affected in any way by the talk around his price tag and will continue to ease him into the team without rushing things.
Only a handful of minutes for Diomande
So far, Real Madrid have played four La Liga games this season and Diomande has not started even one of them.
Instead, Mourinho has opted to field Arda Guler on the right wing in three matches while Brahim Diaz started in the remaining one.
As for Diomande, he has come on as a substitute in each of the four games, but has only racked up a total of 83 minutes, without scoring or assisting a goal so far.
But, his limited minutes and slow integration are seemingly a part of Mourinho’s plans who is intent on not overexposing the teenage winger and put him under undue pressure due to the expectations that come with his price tag.
