Jose Mourinho is amazed by the things Jude Bellingham does every day at Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho has been really impressed by Jude Bellingham’s attitude and hard work at Real Madrid’s training ground.
Mourinho came back to Real Madrid this summer for his second time in charge. He’s had the challenge of managing some of football’s biggest stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Bellingham. But it’s Bellingham’s dedication that has caught Mourinho’s eye the most.
According to a report by Marcos Benito on El Chiringuito, Bellingham shows great professionalism. He often spends up to eight hours a day at Real’s Valdebebas training complex. Mourinho is amazed by how committed Bellingham is—he’s usually the last player to leave after training.
His teammates have noticed Bellingham’s hard work too and say it motivates the whole team. After a tough season last year where he played through pain, Bellingham has bounced back strong this season with seven goals or assists in 11 games.
Real Madrid are planning to reward him with a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2031. This extension should be announced soon, meaning Bellingham will stay with the European champions until he’s 28.
Bellingham has played in different positions for Real, including as a false nine. But Mourinho believes his best spot is as an attacking midfielder who pushes forward into the box. While Bellingham can play deeper, Mourinho thinks that stops him from showing his full potential.
In August, after Real’s first league game against Espanyol, Mourinho said: “He’s very strong physically and mentally. I want him close to the attackers because he has an eye for goal. If he plays deeper, we lose that forward threat. I like the Jude who, in great condition, creates chances.”
Lately, Mourinho has found a way to play both Bellingham and Arda Guler together, with them taking turns in a 4-1 win over Sevilla.
Real Madrid will be back in action on Wednesday when they host RB Leipzig in the Champions League, aiming for their third straight win.