Jude Bellingham’s performances have slipped after an impressive debut season at Real Madrid amid suggestions of dressing room unrest caused by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, according to scathing criticism in the Spanish press after the club’s shock defeat in the Champions League.
Madrid are attempting to defend their European crown that was largely orchestrated by the individual success of Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. last season, but a 1-0 loss against Lille on Wednesday ended their 14-game unbeaten streak in the competition and raised more doubts about the staff. issues.
A team already packed with superstar talent was boosted by the successful arrival of Mbappé as he ran out his contract at PSG and made a sensational free transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, his move to the Spanish capital is causing the performance of other players to decline, with Bellingham being one of Carlo Ancelotti’s stars who is struggling to play alongside Mbappé, according to reports. AS.
The English playmaker scored six goals in his first seven games last season, as the former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star made an impressive start to life in Spain.
Jude Bellingham has declined after an impressive debut season at Real Madrid claims reports in Spain
Bellingham (right) is one of the Madrid players who have struggled since the high-profile arrivals of Kylian Mbappé (left).
Mbappé failed to make an impact after coming off the bench in Madrid’s loss to Lille on Wednesday.
However, this season Bellingham has managed just two assists in as many games and is yet to score, as the emergence of Mbappé has seen his role within the team change.
Bellingham was often used as a makeshift striker by Ancelotti last season, but has now dropped deeper into midfield, where his attacking impact is being limited as Mbappe is preferred to lead the line.
The 21-year-old has largely taken over the playmaking responsibilities left by Toni Kroos, who decided to retire at the end of last season, and Madrid have lacked the fluidity with which they used to build attacks through the German.
Bellingham also carried the weight alongside Brazilian winger Vinicius Jnr as the club’s star figures last season, but Mbappe’s move has largely taken away that title as the French superstar attracts the attention of fans and the media.
That has led to signs of locker room unrest within the team as Ancelotti tries to manage a team full of superstar talent and the big personalities that comes with it.
Meanwhile, Mbappé started the defeat against Lille on the bench entering the second half, but failed to score as his younger brother Ethan led the celebrations in the French team’s locker room.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti criticized his team’s Champions League defeat against Lille
Madrid managed six shots on goal throughout the match but failed to break the deadlock and Madrid coach Ancelotti suggested his players need a wake-up call as they try to defend their Champions League and LaLiga titles.
“It was complicated, it wasn’t our best game and we have to clear our heads,” Ancelotti said.
‘It seemed like we were improving, but we took a step back with this game.
‘Lille have been better than us. “We could use a little attention and a little criticism,” he added.
