Carlo Ancelotti says ‘nothing will change’ for Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid in spite of Kylian Mbappe’s arrival as their new main man, adding that he disagrees with those who criticised his performances for England at the Euros.
Ancelotti spoke with the English media in the United States after a training session in Charlotte, where his team will face Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium.
Asked about how Bellingham’s role will change with Mbappe, Ancelotti said: ‘Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes. The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy. The next season will not be different.
‘He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot 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 it.’
Real are facing a long 2024-25 which starts with this pre-season trip to the United States and ends with a return to these shores for the Club World Cup next summer. Ancelotti insisted he was not worried about such a lengthy campaign, however.
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 following years of speculation linking him with a move
Bellingham's incredible debut season in Madrid was capped off with a Champions League win at Wembley
Chelsea face a similarly lengthy campaign and Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and FA Cup between 2009 and 2011 with the Blues, said his former club’s new ownership need to show patience with Enzo Maresca.
‘It's changed a lot,’ Ancelotti said of Chelsea. ‘They invested a lot. They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager. They need to be a little bit patient, the owners, to take 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 currently back in London looking for a club.
‘In that position, we are covered,’ Ancelotti said. ‘Kepa did really well last season. He was with us. We were really happy to have him here but I don’t know what’s going to happen this season. We love him. We love him.’