Carlo Ancelotti reveals Jude Bellingham ‘has learned what he has to do with referees’ after the Real Madrid and England star returned from a two-match ban for dissent
- Bellingham returned for Real Madrid in the 2–0 win over Athletic Bilbao
- The midfielder missed two league matches last month due to a suspension
- Why Roberto De Zerbi should be in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – Listen to the It all starts podcast
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed Jude Bellingham has learned to ‘keep quiet’ after returning from a two-match suspension for dissent.
Bellingham played in La Liga for the first time since March 2 on Sunday, when Real Madrid won 2-0 against Athletic Bilbao.
The midfielder was forced to sit out Real Madrid’s last two games against Celta Vigo and Osasuna after being sent off in the 2-2 draw against Valencia last month.
Bellingham was sent off for protesting to referee Jesus Gil Manzano after the referee blew full-time just before the midfielder headed home what he said was the winning goal.
Gil blew his whistle not much more than a second after Brahim Diaz crossed from the right for Bellingham to score.
Jude Bellingham made his return from suspension in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao
The England midfielder was sent off and handed a two-match ban for being furious with his disallowed winner against Valencia last month
Carlo Ancelotti claims Bellingham has learned what to do with referees after his suspension
Bellingham told the referee that ‘it was a goal’, with Real Madrid’s appeal against the suspension proving unsuccessful.
The 20-year-old had claimed before the international breakthrough that officials were making an example of him.
“I didn’t say anything offensive, I didn’t say anything different to my teammates and I think because I’m new, sometimes they want to make an example of me,” Bellingham said.
“Ultimately I have to be responsible for my actions and I am not proud of that, but two games before that I think is a bit ridiculous, but if it is two games I have to take responsibility and I cheer from the stands.”
When asked about Bellingham’s comments, Ancelotti said the midfielder has learned to keep his mouth shut when dealing with officials following his suspension.
“I don’t know what he is thinking, but he has learned very well what to do: keep quiet,” Ancelotti said, as reported by Marca.
The Real Madrid boss suggested that Bellingham’s two appearances for England during the international break may have contributed to a calmer display on his return.
Ancelotti claimed the games could be beneficial for Bellingham ahead of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Man City after recent bouts of injuries and suspensions.
Ancelotti said Bellingham knows he must keep his mouth shut after claiming he was targeted by officials
The Real Madrid coach believes Bellingham’s games for England will have been good for him
“He didn’t have the freshness he normally has, he paid a bit for the games with the national team,” Ancelotti said.
‘The option to beat City is for everyone to be at their best, not just Jude. He has played and worked a lot with the national team and I think it will be good for him.”
The LaLiga leaders will host the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Man City on April 9.
Real Madrid next take on Real Mallorca in the league on April 13, before the second leg with defending champions Man City takes place at the Etihad Stadium on April 17.
