Jude Bellingham has issued a strong statement following Xabi Alonso's sacking at Real Madrid, hitting back at those who have questioned his relationship with the former Los Blancos manager.
Despite Alonso only joining the club in the summer of 2025, he was fired by the club following Madrid's Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona over the weekend. Another former player for the La Liga side, Alvaro Arbeloa, has been appointed as the club's new boss.
Pressure had been mounting on the Liverpool icon for a number of months, though. His relationship with the players had been questioned, with reports emerging back in November that multiple players were unhappy with the Spanish manager.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in attendance at Anfield Related
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The former Liverpool manager had been tipped as a potential replacement for Alonso.
Bellingham Issues Defiant Response to Alonso Rift Rumours
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham shakes hands with coach Xabi Alonso after being substituted vs PSG
Among those who were rumoured to be displeased with Alonso was Bellingham, with reports at the time indicating that he preferred his old role that was entrusted to him by Carlo Ancelotti. However, he insisted in December following Madrid's Champions League loss to City that he remained behind the manager.
"The manager's been great. I personally have a great relationship with him, a lot of the lads do as well," he told TNT Sports. "After the first run of games we had some really great conversations internally and we felt we were on the back side of that form.
"In the past couple of games we let ourselves down again. No one's downing tools, no one's complaining and moaning thinking the season is over."
But speculation has continued following Alonso's departure that his relationship with the players was a key factor in his demise at the Bernabeu. And Bellingham, who has been linked with Liverpool in recent days, has once again fired back at those who have said he had an issue with the head coach.
Writing on his app, the England international said: "Until now I've let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time. But honestly... What a load of s***.
"Truly feel sorry for the people that hang onto the every word of these clowns and their 'sources'. Do not believe everything you read, every now and then these lot need to be held accountable for spreading this kind of damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy."
Bellingham Among Madrid Stars to Issue Tribute to Alonso
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso shakes hands with Jude Bellingham after he was substituted
Bellingham's statement came after he had already issued a statement to thank Alonso for what he brought to the Bernabeu from Bayer Leverkusen. In an Instagram story, he wrote: "Thank you, Mister. It was a pleasure, all the very best for the future."
That sentiment was shared by Kylian Mbappe, who went viral after the Super Cup loss on Sunday by gesturing to Alonso and urging him not to take part in the guard of honour. Despite the pair publicly disagreeing after the tie, the French forward still paid tribute to his now old boss.
"It's been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you," he wrote. "Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1.
"I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter."