Carlo Ancelotti is adamant ‘nothing will change’ for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid despite the long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappe
- The French superstar finally completed his move to the Bernabeu this summer
- It followed years of public courtship by the record Champions League winners
- Bellingham established himself as Madrid’s main man during his debut campaign
Carlo Ancelotti says ‘nothing will change’ for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe as their new captain, adding that he disagrees with those who criticised his performances for England at the Euros.
Ancelotti spoke to the English media in the United States after a training session in Charlotte, where his team take on Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium.
Asked how Bellingham’s role will change with Mbappe, Ancelotti said: ‘Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes. The first season he surprised us a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a very mature man. The next season will be no different.
“He’s going to be one of the best players we have, and he’s going to be a huge help to the team with his quality. This is an opinion, but Bellingham played really well at the Euros. England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning.”
Real face a long 2024-25 campaign, starting with this pre-season trip to the United States and ending with a return to these shores for the Club World Cup next summer. Ancelotti insisted he was not worried about such a long campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti is adamant that Jude Bellingham will not be affected by the arrival of Kylian Mbappe
The French superstar finally joined the LaLiga giants after years of speculation linking him with a move
Bellingham’s incredible debut season in Madrid was crowned with a Champions League victory at Wembley
Chelsea face a similarly long season and Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup with the Blues between 2009 and 2011, said the new owner of his old club must be patient with Enzo Maresca.
“It’s changed a lot,” Ancelotti said of Chelsea. “They’ve invested a lot. They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager. They need to be a bit patient, the owners, to gain experience, to grow.”
Meanwhile, Ancelotti has ruled out a move for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Chelsea goalkeeper who spent last season on loan at Real but is now back in London looking for a new club.
“In that position we are covered,” Ancelotti said. “Kepa did very well last season. He was with us. We were very happy to have him here, but I don’t know what will happen this season. We love him. We love him.”
