Madrid: English midfield superstar Jude Bellingham has come out in support of his new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho after Madrid's blistering start to the 26/27 season, which has seen them win their first three games. The Spanish giants are level with perennial rivals Barcelona on points, but after a disappointing run last season, Mourinho's influence is being seen as a game changer in the Spanish capital.
"I’ll speak for myself first. He’s made me more adventurous, and I think you can see that across the team. We’re more dynamic now, less predictable. It’s difficult to prepare for us because players aren’t restricted to doing one thing," said Bellingham of Mourinho in a post match interview on Monday.
"The other thing is how well he knows you. Before he tells you what he wants, he already knows what you’re good at. With me, he hasn’t tried to change the player I am. He wants me to do those things even more and become better at them," he added.
Mourinho is back at Madrid after more than a decade, part of which has seen him the wilderness after brief stints at Manchester United, Roma and Fenerbahce, winning little silverware in the meantime. Known for his mercurial and often controversial style of football, he is nonetheless also well known for working within a strict system that is seen as developmental and foundational for young players. Many of Madrid's successes under later managers are often attributed to the foundational principles in coaching, staff and tactics laid down by Portuguese coach in his three years at the club.
"I think players love that. You want a manager who looks at your strengths and thinks, ‘How do I get more of this?’ Not one who makes you afraid to use them," said Bellingham of the new coach. Real Madrid play away at Spanish club Real Betis on Saturday.
