Bellingham talks Arbeloa, Kane, Musiala, injuries, title hopes ahead of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

Bellingham talks Arbeloa, Kane, Musiala, injuries, title hopes ahead of Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

We are just 24 hours away from Real Madrid facing their most important game of the season as they take on Bayern Munich, needing to overturn a one-goal deficit at the Allianz Arena.

Heading into this game, Jude Bellingham, who has a regrettable record against the Bavarians, spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference.

The Englishman discussed multiple topics, including his own fitness and what’s in store for Real Madrid if they fail to advance to the next round.

What Bellingham said ahead of Bayern clash

First and foremost, Bellingham was asked about his fitness, having struggled with injuries for the majority of the campaign.

“I feel good. This season has been frustrating; I’ve had bad luck, missing games due to injuries. At the beginning and in these last two months.

“The hardest part is coming back, mentally, preparing for those matches. The more you play, the better. I played against Mallorca, against Atlético, against Bayern… Your confidence grows and you keep improving,” he said.

He also underlined the magnitude of the upcoming clash, describing it as a decisive moment for the season.

“It might seem that way, it’s a very important match considering our position in the league. Yes, it’s like a final tomorrow. We want to compete and win the Champions League.

“We want to be there playing to win a title, not just watching the matches go by. It’s a crucial match and we all know how important it is, and we’re going to give everything to win,” he said.

“The most important thing is to be there. It will be difficult. It’s our fault we’re behind on the scoreboard. It will be a very long match and tie, for sure,” he added.

Bellingham did not shy away from the stakes either, insisting elimination would be catastrophic given the context of their campaign.

“Any defeat in the Champions League is a disaster, given our current situation; it’s a final. We have a lot at stake and we must play well.

“It’s all or nothing, that’s our mentality. We’re not going to hide. We want to believe, we don’t have any more chances. We have to play and win,” he said.

Reflecting on his role and positional evolution, Bellingham admitted he has had to adapt constantly.

“There’s been a change, from my first season to now. Before, I played further forward, in that diamond midfield.

“Last year, I played more on the left. And with Arbeloa, a bit deeper. I can play in several positions. It’s good and bad, there’s no single best position, but you have to adapt.”

Bellingham is aware of the challenge at hand. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

“When I score goals, I want to score more, but you also have to defend, you have to find that balance. And if I don’t score, I have to help the team. And I have to do whatever the coach asks,” he said.

Discussing the attacking balance alongside teammates, he acknowledged potential crowding on one flank.

“It’s difficult to answer. There have been matches where we’ve played very well. You have to look at each player individually. Perhaps we crowd together too much on the left; if I go to the other wing, we might have more balance.

“Maybe people are seeing the glass half empty. We play with freedom, and I hope that will be evident tomorrow, and that we can play fluidly,” he said.

Bellingham also addressed speculation around his celebration and personal life.

“I think I’ve already spoken about this; you can’t mix your private life with your life as a player. Things came out that weren’t true, that I liked to drink too much, and that I went out a lot. But none of that is true. I’m very professional every single day. It was a joke.”

The English midfielder was full of praise for his fellow countryman Harry Kane, who has been in sublime form and is one of the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or.

“Who could win the Ballon d’Or depends on what the team does. He’s a fantastic player, I think they’re going to win the Bundesliga, even though it pains me because of my brother.

“It’s an honour to have him in the national team; he’s shown how good he is. It’s a pleasure to watch him play.”

“Let’s see if he can carry this over to the World Cup. I hope he doesn’t show up tomorrow, or that we know how to stop him,” he added.

Bellingham went on to talk about this season’s title challenge from Real Madrid, claiming that the woes were self-inflicted.

“It’s complicated, it’s not the right place or the right time. In La Liga, at least at home, we’ve dropped too many points. You can’t win a league title by dropping so many points against Barcelona. And away from home too. It’s just not possible.”

“I don’t think the fight is over. We’re behind, but we have to focus on tomorrow. It’s a big day,” the midfielder.

Bellingham also welcomed Jamal Musiala’s return, especially after a long injury layoff while acknowledging Bayern’s quality.

“I want to see him play well; it hurt to see him not playing. I’m very happy to see him playing again,” he said about Musiala.

“Bayern always competes at the highest level. I played here with Dortmund and my memories aren’t so positive. A lot of intensity, a great coach… There are many reasons,” he said on Bayern’s dominance.

Finally, Bellingham made it clear that the objective is to avoid penalties and overturn the deficit early.

“Nobody wants a shootout; if you can win in 90 minutes, all the better. We have to overcome the first-leg result. And if it comes down to penalties, we have to be ready. But it’s better to get through first,” he concluded.

Source: AS