Real Madrid put forward midfielder Jude Bellingham to face the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich as he said: “We’re aware of our situation and we’re ready. We’re mentally prepared. Tomorrow’s match is a final for us; ultimately, our season is on the line. And we’re going to try to give our very best.”
Bellingham on how he feels
“I feel fine. It’s been a frustrating season; I’ve had some bad luck and missed matches through injury, both at the start and over the last couple of months. The hardest part is coming back, mentally, and getting ready for those matches. The more you play, the better. I played against Mallorca, against Atleti, against Bayern… Your confidence grows and you keep improving.”
Bellingham on a loss meaning the season is a failure
“Any defeat in the Champions League is a disaster; given the situation we’re in, it’s a final. We’ve got a lot at stake and we must play well. It’s all or nothing; that’s our mindset. We’re not going to hide. We want to believe; we don’t have any more chances. We have to play and win.”
Bellingham on his ideal position on the pitch
“There’s been a change, from my first season to now. Before, I played further forward, in that central midfield in a diamond formation. Last year I played further to the left. And with Arbeloa, a bit deeper. I can play in various positions. It’s a mixed blessing; there’s no set position, but you have to adapt. When I score goals I want to score more, but we have to defend; we have to find that balance. And if I don’t score, I have to help the team. And I must do whatever the manager asks.”
Bellingham on the suggestion that he doesn’t gel well with Vinícius and Mbappé
“It’s difficult to answer; there have been matches where we’ve played very well. You have to look at each one individually. Perhaps we crowd the left too much; if I go down the other flank, we might have better balance. Perhaps people are seeing the glass as half empty. We play freely; I hope that’s evident tomorrow and we can play with fluidity.
Bellingham on his celebration where he pretended to be drinking
“I think I’ve already spoken about this; you can’t mix your private life with your life as a player. Things came out that weren’t true, that I liked to drink more than I should, that I went out a lot. But none of that is true. I’m very professional, every day. It was a joke.”
Bellingham on whether Kane has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or
“Whether he can win the Ballon d’Or depends on what the team does. He’s a fantastic player; I think they’re going to win the Bundesliga, even though it pains me for my brother’s sake. I’m proud to have him in the national team; he’s shown just how good he is. It’s a pleasure to watch him play. Let’s see if he can carry this form into the World Cup. I hope he doesn’t turn up tomorrow, or that we manage to stop him.”
Bellingham on the team’s situation
“It’s complicated; it’s not the right time or place to discuss it. In the league, at least at home, we’ve dropped too many points. You can’t win the league by dropping so many points when you compete against Barcelona. And away from home too. It’s just not possible. I don’t think the fight is over. We’re behind, but we have to focus on tomorrow. It’s a big day.”
Bellingham on Musiala
“I want to see him play well; it’s been painful to see him sidelined. I’m very happy to see him playing again.”
Bellingham on if he’d take a penalty in a shoot-out
“Nobody wants a penalty shoot-out; if you can win in 90 minutes, all the better. We must put the first-leg result behind us. And if it comes down to penalties, we must be ready. But it’s better to get through before that.”