Jude Bellingham responded to the media in the Anfield press room to discuss the match between Liverpool and Real Madrid on the fifth day of the first phase of the Champions League (Wednesday, 9 p.m.): “In the locker room and on the bus , there is a lot of confidence, we have already had injuries and we have dealt with it. I have confidence in the group and all the players can have their moment, whether starting or coming off the bench. ‘a player replaced one other, he was good.”
“When we suffer as a team in hard times, we have frank conversations and it is true that we were not working. We have players who can score and win, but the attitude was not good with and without the ball we hope to show tomorrow what we did in the last two games.
Challenge Liverpool
“Two great teams face each other tomorrow and we will work hard to win the match. Liverpool are top of their league and the Champions League. They are a good team, their players are at an extraordinary level. It will be a test important tomorrow, but I’m very confident.”
His performance against Leganés
“It was a good match. I had a good performance, I played well. When you score a goal, the judgment changes, but I am always very critical. Titles come when you score. The expectation is great after the goals last season I didn’t score, but I played at a good level. I play my best football when I can stand out and move around the pitch.
His versatility in midfield
“It went like any adaptation. The dynamic changes a little, the way of playing and the set-up, but I showed that I can play in different positions. I prefer to be a little more offensive, but it’s not important to me. I’m willing to play wherever I’m put, my position doesn’t affect me. We always field a team to win. There have been injuries, that’s for it. That’s why I changed positions.”
“I speak with Ancelotti every day and I have a very good relationship with him. I sacrificed myself like other players to help the team. I contribute to the team’s game like Fede or Cama. It’s true that I haven’t scored many goals, but we have a very versatile team and, sometimes, we have to cover positions when there are injured people. I know where I am comfortable, but I have the possibility. to maximize my performance whatever my position”.
His role as a scorer this season
“When I arrived last year, the club was losing Benzema, one of the best players. There was a place and it was a way to cover this lack of goals. This year, we recruited one of the best players of this generation, who has scored an incredible amount of goals My role will change and I am very willing to do so. In the last two games I have scored and it feels good to contribute with goals. Ancelotti’s tranquility has an impact in the locker room and her way of being very relaxed is always useful during these important matches.”
Vini Jr.’s injury
“He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best. You’re still getting used to being with him and it’s a big loss, but I have great confidence in the rest of the group. He’s disappointed he can’t help the team, but each of us has to do more to help the team.”
Mbappé’s adaptation
“He receives exaggerated criticism and he has been very positive in his contribution. He is impressive in training and I am convinced that he will do even better.”
The Golden Ball
“When we win the Champions League, the Ballon d’Or comes to us, it’s a form of recognition for the best team in Europe. We’ve talked a lot about the Ballon d’Or and I think that a player of Real Madrid, as Vini Jr., deserved it, Rodri is a very great player, but it was reasonable to give it to a Real player.
Critics in England
“During the Euro, I was not treated well compared to before. I was a bit pointed out as the culprit of the defeat in the final. Joy returned during the last rally. Under the jersey of Real, I have never lost my smile I am the luckiest in the world: I represent my country and I am in the best team in the world Criticism is part of the game, but when it comes to criticism. personal, it’s a challenge to silence people They said. that I wasn’t ready to play.”
“Pressure is not a problem. I know I contributed in key moments of the tournament, but it felt like the world had fallen on me. Critics said I didn’t speak with the media, that I wasn’t present at the press conference. I wasn’t above anything. I was with my family during the tournament and I didn’t talk about it publicly. I preferred to concentrate on my performances rather than talking to the press British. Family comes first and my mother didn’t want to leave the house after the tournament.
Was he close to signing for Liverpool?
“I was never close to signing with Liverpool. I had discussions with several clubs when I was in Germany. When Real Madrid call you, there are vibrations throughout the house. It’s not that the other teams were good or bad, it’s that Real Madrid are on another level.”
The Alexander Arnold Rumor
“He’s a Liverpool player and it’s a lack of respect to be at his place and talk about the future. It’s a very important match. We need to take that pressure off him. He’s a great friend and I wish him all the best from tomorrow onwards.”
