Jude Bellingham has described working with coach José Mourinho as “a dream” as the pair prepare to kick off the LaLiga season at Real Madrid.
England star Bellingham, 23, is heading into his fourth season at Madrid, after a stunning debut campaign — winning a LaLiga and Champions League double — followed by two years without a major trophy.
Mourinho has returned to the club for his second spell in charge, after the team struggled last season under coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.
“I feel like I already have a relationship with [Mourinho],” Bellingham told Real Madrid TV on Thursday. “It’s a dream for me to work with a coach like Mourinho. I’ve only had one chance to see him, but I’m very excited to see what he’s like.”
Madrid’s start to the LaLiga season is delayed due after Spain reached the World Cup final, with their first game coming away at Espanyol on August 22, with a friendly at Schalke this Sunday.
Bellingham was the last Madrid player to return for preseason training, joining his teammates at Valdebebas on Wednesday.
“[I’ve been] running a lot in the heat, playing a lot of football with my teammates,” he said. “It’s tough, but it’s good as well, to enjoy it, this suffering! I really like this kind of hard work.”
The midfielder shone for England at the World Cup, scoring seven goals in their run to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Argentina.
“The World Cup was a great experience for me and my England teammates,” Bellingham said, “But I’m ready to come back and compete. Hopefully, we can win.”
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Madrid finished second in LaLiga last season, eight points behind champions Barcelona, and were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals by Bayern Munich.
The club have signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Espí during this transfer window.
“I’m a bit more mature now, I have more experience,” Bellingham said, when asked about his role in the squad.” I have a good feeling about this season with the new signings and the coach, and let’s see … It’s an honour and a privilege for me to play for this club. I hope it will be for many more years.”
