The coaching staff at La Liga giants Real Madrid have set an individual goal for Jude Bellingham for the club’s showdown with Manchester City next week.
The goal in question? To recover his best form.
Midfielder Bellingham, of course, was afforded his latest starting berth for Real on Tuesday night, when Carlo Ancelotti’s troops welcomed the aforementioned City to Spain’s capital for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie between the clubs.
The England international’s ensuing display, however, left quite a bit to be desired…
Looking some way short of his scintillating best, Bellingham was accused of allowing the game to largely pass him by, amid the bright lights of a headline occasion on the continent.
In his defence, the 20-year-old is understood to have returned from international duty late last month heavily fatigued, with a recent spell on the sidelines having not aided his continuity, either.
Still, should Real Madrid have hope of besting Man City at The Etihad next Wednesday, they will need Bellingham firing on all cylinders.
And, as per a report from Marca, this is precisely what has been requested of the former Borussia Dortmund man by the Blancos coaching staff.
Carlo Ancelotti and co. are of the opinion that a goal, assist, or simply a high-level performance on the part of Bellingham in Manchester could prove the difference in keeping their European campaign alive.
Not only that, but they also feel as though as much would benefit the midfield starlet on a personal level, in raising his confidence for the closing weeks of the season.
Conor Laird | GSFN
