Fans can’t get enough of Jude Bellingham’s post-match interview, during which he revealed what Carlo Ancelotti said to him before Real Madrid faced Manchester City.
On Tuesday evening Real Madrid knocked Man City out of the Champions League on penalties to reach the competition’s semi-finals for the 12th time in 14 years.
Madrid resisted intense City pressure for much of the second leg to hold the reigning European champions to a 1-1 draw. With the aggregate score locked at 4-4 after extra-time, Carlo Ancelotti’s side prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Madrid had to defend much more than usual, but Jude Bellingham was still one of their star performers.
The English midfielder played a key role in Rodrygo’s opening goal, before coolly converting his penalty after teammate Luka Modric had missed Madrid’s first attempt.
Bellingham spoke to TNT Sports after the game, and fans were impressed by his analysis of the game as well as his incredible anecdote about manager Ancelotti.
When asked by Rio Ferdinand what Ancelotti is like as a manager, Bellingham replied: “As a man, he just fills your with calmness and confidence.
“Before the game, I caught him [Carlo Ancelotti] yawning and asked him ‘Boss are you tired?’. He said ‘You ned to go out there and excite me’ – that’s the calmness and confidence he brings.
“He finds a way to let a lot of the boys play with freedom. One of our biggest strengths is that we’re so off-the-cuff.”
The 20-year-old also described how difficult it is to play against City, what it means to play for Los Blancos and how Madrid tweaked their tactics from the high-scoring first leg last week.
“Today was the first day my brother got to see me play for Madrid” ❤️
Jude Bellingham talks beating Man City at the Etihad, moving to Spain and playing under Carlo Ancelotti…
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“It was pretty similar, a couple of us were doing roles that we’re not normally used to.
“Like me; I was having to go a bit higher to press, so when the ball turned over and I wanted to get on it it was hard to because I was so high. It’s the sacrifices to your own game that you have to make.”
Ferdinand was certainly impressed by the way Bellingham spoke.
“If your daughter is going to bring someone home… that’s what you want them to come with,” he joked.
Viewers were left in awe of the England star as well.
“What an eloquent and mature kid – years ahead in mind and play,” one fan said, while another commented on X: “Wise for a 20-year-old.”
A third fan praised Bellingham, saying: “What an incredible player already! So humble & such a down to earth person. Brilliant interview. Go on Jude top man.”
Featured Image Credit: TNT Sports