Jude Bellingham: Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid won’t change England star’s role – Ancelotti

Manager Carlo Ancelotti says Jude Bellingham’s role at Real Madrid will not change following the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

The 21-year-old English midfielder Bellingham played a leading role for the Spanish club in his debut season, scoring 23 goals in 42 games as he won La Liga and the Champions League.

The 25-year-old French striker Mbappé left Paris St-Germain for Real on a free transfer this summer.

Ancelotti denied that Bellingham would play a bigger role to accommodate Mbappe, saying: “Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes.

“The first season he was a huge surprise, because he showed fantastic quality, a very mature guy. The next season will be no different.

“He will be one of the best players we have and with his qualities he will support the team enormously.”

The Italian also backed Bellingham after criticism of his performances at Euro 2024, where England reached the final.

“This is an opinion, but Bellingham played really well at the European Championship,” he added.

“England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning. I don’t understand how the players are tired before the game.

“The key players are used to playing every three days, they do it very well and they reach the end of the season without any problems.”

Ancelotti has also called on Chelsea’s owners to be more patient with the managers who have sacked Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino since the change of ownership.

The former Blues manager will face fellow American Enzo Maresca as both clubs conclude their US tour at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday night.

He added: “They have invested a lot. They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager. They need to be a bit patient, the owners, to gain experience, to grow. But the signings they have (made) are really good.”

Before explaining that Madrid do not need to re-sign exiled Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti said: “We love him. We love him, but in that position we are covered.”