Bellingham relishing chance to work with Mourinho
Jude Bellingham has returned to Real Madrid training after his starring role with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he is thrilled to be working under returning coach Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho has taken charge at Madrid ahead of the 2026-2027 season, looking to improve on a disappointing campaign for Los Blancos last term.
Xabi Alonso only lasted until January as coach, while his replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, was stood down at the end of the season. Madrid finished a distant second in LaLiga behind Barcelona and failed to win any other trophy.
Mourinho has been chosen as the coach to get Madrid back on track, the 63-year-old back in charge for a second spell in the Spanish capital.
Bellingham is relishing the chance to work under one of modern football's great coaches.
"I feel like I already have a relationship with [Mourinho]," Bellingham said.
"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."
Bellingham featured 40 times for Madrid last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.
However, he returns to the club on the back of a hugely impressive FIFA World Cup campaign with England, in which he scored seven goals.
"The [2026 FIFA] World Cup was a great experience for me and my England team-mates," Bellingham said.
"But I'm ready to come back and compete. Hopefully, we can win.
"I'm a bit more mature now, I have more experience. I have a good feeling about this season with the new signings and the coach.
"It's an honour and a privilege for me to play for this club. I hope it will be for many more years."
Madrid rounds off its pre-season by taking on Schalke this weekend, before opening its LaLiga campaign against Espanyol on 23 August (AEST).
