Jude Bellingham has described the prospect of working under Jose Mourinho as a dream. Speaking to Real Madrid TV after returning to Valdebebas following England’s 2026 World Cup campaign, the midfielder was the last member of the squad to report back for pre-season — but wasted no time expressing enthusiasm for the club’s new direction.
Bellingham told Real Madrid TV, as reported by SI.com, that he already feels a connection with Mourinho despite only one face-to-face meeting so far. He added that he has good feelings about the season ahead given the new signings and coaching staff. Pre-season has been physically demanding, he acknowledged, gruelling sessions in the heat, but said he genuinely enjoys the challenge Mourinho’s methods bring.
Mourinho’s Plan for Bellingham in 2026-27
According to AS, as reported by Madrid Universal, Mourinho intends to deploy Bellingham as a number 10 within a 4-2-3-1 system. That would place him higher up the pitch than in recent seasons, with two midfielders behind him providing cover and allowing greater attacking freedom.
The thinking, per that report, is to rediscover the version of Bellingham that lit up his debut campaign in 2023-24. That Bellingham scored 23 goals and contributed 13 assists. Mourinho is expected to begin working directly with him after the Deportivo La Coruña pre-season fixture. Real Madrid’s Next Midfielder Move Depends on an Exit First
Six Arrivals Reshape the Squad
Real Madrid’s summer business has been substantial. Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espí have all joined, per Madrid Voice. Six signings. That is a squad rebuilt in one window. Bellingham noted that the combination of fresh faces and a new manager has lifted optimism within the group. He also spoke about his own growth, telling Real Madrid TV he feels more experienced now and hopes to remain at the club for many years.
The season begins next week with an away trip to Espanyol. Los Blancos are chasing a first major trophy in three years after two successive campaigns without silverware.
Questions Around Mourinho’s Second Spell
Not everyone is certain the reunion will run smoothly. Speaking to the BBC, Spanish football expert Eduardo Alvarez drew a comparison with Carlo Ancelotti’s successful return to the Bernabeu, suggesting Florentino Perez is following a similar logic in backing a familiar face. Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon welcomed the appointment but urged Mourinho to earn player trust through persuasion rather than the confrontational approach that marked his first spell.
Portuguese football journalist Duarte Monteiro, also speaking to the BBC, argued Mourinho’s personality has not changed. The environment around modern football, though, has shifted considerably since his first Madrid tenure ended in 2013.
Bellingham seems unconcerned. He arrived back from the World Cup ready to run, ready to compete, and ready to buy into whatever Mourinho demands.
