Jose Mourinho is working with the entire Real Madrid squad for the first time this week, with the last batch of World Cup stars returning over the past couple of days.
The Portuguese tactician now has a clear opportunity to work with the players and identify who features where in his plans for the upcoming season.
Among those who have returned to Los Blancos training is Jude Bellingham, who is excited about the opportunity to work with Jose Mourinho.
Bellingham excited to work with Mourinho
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after completing his first training sessions of pre-season, Bellingham expressed his happiness at being reunited with his team-mates following his extended break after the World Cup.
“I am very happy to be back with my teammates and to be with the new coach,” Bellingham said.
The England international reserved particular praise for Mourinho and revealed that there is already a connection developing between the pair.
“I feel like I already have a relationship with him and it is a dream for me to work with a coach like Mourinho,” he explained.
Bellingham excited to work with Mourinho. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
“I only had one opportunity to see him, but I am very excited to see what he is like.”
Bellingham is expected to occupy an important and central role in Mourinho’s new project, operating as the No. 10 behind Kylian Mbappe.
Ready after the World Cup
Bellingham was one of the Madrid players given additional time away after England’s deep run at the World Cup.
The Englishman had a tremendous World Cup, scoring goals and contributing to Thomas Tuchel’s long run in the tournament.
He described the tournament as a valuable experience but made it clear his attention has already shifted back towards club football.
“The World Cup was a very good experience for me and my England teammates, but I am ready to come back and compete with my Real Madrid teammates. Hopefully we can win.” he said.
His first sessions have already been demanding, with Bellingham joking that he is doing plenty of running in difficult conditions.
“I’m running a lot in the heat, and I’m playing a lot of football with my teammates. It is hard, but it is good to enjoy. I really like this suffering,” he said.
Bellingham feels ready for another step
Perhaps the most encouraging part of Bellingham’s message was his assessment of his own development.
“Now I am a little more of a man and I have more experience,” the midfielder explained, adding that he has “good feelings” about the season following Madrid’s summer signings and Mourinho’s arrival.
Ready to hit the ground running. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Bellingham has already carried enormous responsibility since joining Madrid, but this season offers another opportunity to evolve.
He further reiterated his commitment to the Spanish club, making his long-term ambitions crystal clear.
“It is an honour and a source of pride for me to play for this club. Hopefully it will be for many more years,” he concluded.
Mourinho can unleash him
Bellingham may not have had the greatest of seasons at club level in the 2025-26 campaign, but his World Cup campaign showed just how good he can be.
Jose’s main task will be to get the best out of Bellingham, as the Englishman could make everyone around him better.
With the likes of Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior around him, Bellingham can be the glue that makes the attack click.
It remains to be seen how the relationship between Jose and Bellingham flourishes over the course of the campaign.