Bellingham talks Vinicius, Ancelotti, preferred position, injuries, trophies ahead of Intercontinental Cup final | OneFootball

Real Madrid will square off against Mexican outfit CF Pachuca tomorrow night in the finals of the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.

The Merengues can win the second trophy of the 2024/25 season, having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup earlier this year and for that to happen, a certain Jude Bellingham will hold the key.

The England international has burst into form in recent weeks after a rather subdued start to the season and on the eve of the game, he addressed the media at the pre-match press conference, discussing various topics including his form and preferred position.

Tomorrow, Bellingham will be competing to win his fifth trophy at Real Madrid in just his second season. On being asked what he felt was the most important thing heading into the game against Pachuca, he said:

“Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to play in another final and we see it as a very important match, a chance to continue to add to the club’s trophy cabinet. It’s an honour and we hope to win.”

Having accompanied Carlo Ancelotti to the press conference last month ahead of the Liverpool game, the young midfielder did so again today. Upon being quizzed if it is a sign of him being a leader in the team, he replied:

“In the dressing room there are many leaders… and I was simply chosen today to speak, nothing more. There are many leaders, captains and banners in there.

“The important thing is that we all respect and trust each other. Of course I have certain leadership skills, but I am like many others.”

As mentioned earlier, Bellingham has found his goalscoring streak again after a slow start. Discussing his form and whether critics have been quick to write Real Madrid off this season, he remarked:

“On the first one, I’m very happy, attacking the box and conceding in dangerous situations. Playing like that… I love it. And I hope I can keep doing it.

“On the second: we didn’t start well, obviously, without reaching the required level. We took one step backwards, one step forwards… but this season is very long.

“We’re a new group, we’ve had a lot of injuries and, despite everything, we’re calm. I’m sure it will be a good season, that we will end up playing good football. Let’s prove it from tomorrow.”

Talking about whether he feels the pressure of playing for Real Madrid, Bellingham said: “For me it’s a privilege. To be able to play for Real Madrid is the greatest in the world. To expect this not to be accompanied by pressure would be absurd.

“I am a football fan and I understand how things work: if you don’t play well, there is criticism and you have to accept it. As a team we analyse things and work in silence. Outside noise is to be expected. It’s normal.”

Ready to win another trophy. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Talking about the Intercontinental Cup and why it is not given a greater importance in England, but valued greatly by Real Madrid, Bellingham remarked:

“I don’t know, because I’ve never played for any Premiership club, only Birmingham. But maybe it’s the mentality of Real Madrid, who face every title with the mentality of winning. And that’s what we’re going for.”

It is no secret that Bellingham has been dealing with shoulder discomfort for a while now and needs to undergo surgery at some point to fix the issue long-term. When asked about his condition, the midfielder said:

“Fine, fine! I’m still in the sling, which is a bit uncomfortable, but the general feeling is pretty good.”

Bellingham was then asked about his preferred mode of celebration when he scores – whether he likes to do his trademark arms-wide-open celebration or hugs. In response, he said:

“I don’t care. As long as I score, great. It’s one of those moments I’ve been doing since I was a kid, my way (opening my arms). But if I get hugs, that’s fine too.”

With FIFA’s The Best Awards set to take place later today, reports have filtered claiming that Vinicius Jr. has won the Player of the Year award, which Bellingham feels is completely deserved.

“I don’t know if it’s official. But if he has won it, I totally agree. It’s a pleasure to play with him, he helps the team a lot… and to win titles. If he wins it, it would be very commendable. And I would be very happy for him,” he said.

Real Madrid have been rocked with injuries this season, compounding the team’s problems. Talking about the barrage of injury issues that they have faced, Bellingham blamed the number of matches, as he said:

“The number of games. The staff is looking for solutions to see what we need, trying to manage this… and doing it very well. But the load of minutes accumulates, causes fatigue and that takes its toll.

“There comes a point where it affects performance, especially when you are competing against strong opponents and you need speed. But that’s the way it is.

“We have to play a lot of games and we’ll try to do our best. In summer you can rest a lot, but now we have matches every three days….”

About tomorrow’s opponent, Pachuca, he said: “Ancelotti has told us several things in the meeting we just had. They play very well, with a lot of intensity and tomorrow they will be very motivated.

“They deserve to be here and we owe them all the respect in the world.”

Over the course of the season, Ancelotti has fielded Bellingham in a variety of positions – in a deeper midfield role, on the flanks, and as an attacking midfielder. When asked where he prefers to play, the Englishman said:

“Wherever Carlo Ancelotti puts me, that’s the answer I can give you right now.”

Source: AS