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Real Madrid News Bellingham elated after fine start in Mourinho’s Real Madrid: ‘I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me’ Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is rediscovering his best form after a season in which he performed below his usual level. The English midfielder began the campaign with a headed goal against Espanyol last weekend and then produced an excellent display against Real Sociedad, providing two assists, one for Kylian Mbappe and another for Vinicius Jr. Grateful to Mourinho Speaking to Real Madrid’s official media, Bellingham discussed his new role and Jose Mourinho’s influence on his improved performances at the start of the new season. “I feel more free again, more free to decide when to drop back, when to stay up or when to get into the box,” he explained. “I think this is the best position for me, the one that allows me to show all my qualities. I’m really grateful to the coach for trusting me to play this way,” said the England international. Talking about his assist to Mbappe in the 4-1 win over Sociedad on Wednesday, Bellingham said: “It was more about instinct in truth. I think Kylian’s movement is what made the goal; all I had to do was put the ball in a good area for him. “And since he’s so fast, he catches most balls, and his finish was brilliant too. For both goals, their movement made the difference.” On his assist to Vinicius in the same game, Bellingham added: “Yes, I still had some energy left in the match, and we were going through a good moment where everyone was full of adrenaline and we were pressing excellently. “My shot was saved and I wanted to press high to win it back, and I think that’s one of the most important things in football when you lose the ball; to try to win it back as quickly as possible. “I dribbled and Vinícius was there, so I passed it to him and he gave me a big hug saying ‘thanks,’ and that’s all there was to it.” Building momentum Bellingham also stressed the importance of starting the season strongly, particularly with the Champions League now getting underway. “It’s very important to build momentum. Now we have a tough stretch with the start of the Champions League, the matches are piling up and it’s good to have made a good start,” he said. “A lot of new people have arrived, they have to settle in, and we have to keep going like this,” The midfielder also highlighted the team’s intensity without the ball. “We’re in a good moment and everyone has the adrenaline flowing. We’re pressing well, and one of the most important things is recovering the ball quickly when you lose it,” Bellingham added. Praise for the new signings Bellingham was also pleased with how the summer arrivals have adapted to the dressing room. “They have made a very good impression on the group as people, which is the most important thing, and also as footballers. They are doing very well,” he said. He acknowledged that adapting to Madrid is never straightforward, particularly under a new coaching staff. “It is not easy to arrive at a club with this level of pressure, with a new coach and a new staff. There are so many things, and they are adapting without any problems. It is a joy to have them here.” Real Madrid News Mourinho wins over everyone at Real Madrid after rapid dressing room transformation When Florentino Perez appointed Jose Mourinho as the new manager ahead of the 2026-27 season, there were some concerns. For all his credentials over the years, the Portuguese tactician’s career has been on a downward trajectory for a while now. However, according to AS, the appointment of Mourinho has worked like a charm, and the mood inside Valdebebas has changed dramatically in just two months. The report claims that there is one phrase being repeated inside the club: “The best signing is on the bench.” It is a direct reference to Mourinho. Mourinho has changed the daily culture Mourinho arrived at Real Madrid for his second stint determined to change habits, rules and customs around the first team. His priority was to restore respect for the badge, but also to rebuild the internal standards of a squad that had become disconnected and uninspired over the previous two seasons. That has meant clear conversations with players about what he expects from them, while those who appeared to be heading towards the exit were given the opportunity to change their situation. The key point is that Mourinho has not simply imposed authority. He has tried to convince the dressing room through dialogue. The approach appears to have worked quickly. Mourinho has won over the dressing room The belief inside Real Madrid is that Mourinho has already won over almost everyone around the team. The squad are showing a greater commitment in training and a stronger willingness to compete until the final minute of matches. This spirit was visible in Real Madrid’s first two La Liga games against Espanyol and Real Sociedad, where the team seemed to be playing for one another. Los Blancos have always had elite talent. The concern was whether that talent was operating as a unified team with clear standards. In the last couple of seasons, Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa failed to get the group to rally around one another. Mourinho’s first success appears to have been restoring that collective edge. A huge leap of faith by Florentino Perez Florentino Perez needed to send out a statement this summer after two successive trophyless seasons. Perez and Mourinho remained in occasional contact during the 13 years between his two spells, while Jorge Mendes played an important role in facilitating the return. The Portuguese tactician has received immense backing in terms of transfers this summer in a bid to set this project up for success. Perez’s gamble of reappointing Mourinho at a time when his stock was at its lowest is a double-edged sword. If it works, as it seems to be doing so far, it could turn out to be a masterstroke from Perez, and it remains to be seen how the decision turns out.