Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has expressed his excitement at working with coach José Mourinho, describing the opportunity as "a dream" as the club gears up for the 2026-27 LaLiga season. The England international spoke to Real Madrid TV on Thursday, just a day after joining his teammates for pre-season training at the Valdebebas facility.

"I feel like I already have a relationship with [Mourinho]," Bellingham said. "It's a dream for me to work with a coach like Mourinho. I've only had one chance to see him, but I'm very excited to see what he's like."

Bellingham, 23, is heading into his fourth season at Madrid after a stunning debut campaign that saw him lift both the LaLiga title and the Champions League trophy. However, the subsequent two seasons brought no major silverware, leaving the club eager for a fresh start under Mourinho, who has returned for a second spell in charge after the team struggled under previous coaches Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa.

A Dream Working Relationship

Bellingham's admiration for Mourinho is well founded. The Portuguese coach is widely regarded as one of the greatest tactical minds in football history, having won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, as well as two Champions League trophies with Porto and Inter Milan. His first stint at Real Madrid, from 2010 to 2013, was marked by intense rivalries and a record-breaking 2011-12 season in which Madrid clinched the LaLiga title with 100 points, a league record at the time.

The relationship between Bellingham and Mourinho has already shown signs of mutual respect. Bellingham's versatility and attacking midfield prowess fit neatly into Mourinho's preferred systems, which often rely on a dynamic and disciplined central presence. The Englishman's ability to drive forward, score goals, and press aggressively makes him an ideal candidate for the Portuguese coach's high-intensity demands.

"I'm a bit more mature now, I have more experience," Bellingham said, reflecting on his evolution since joining Madrid. "I have a good feeling about this season with the new signings and the coach, and let's see ... It's an honour and a privilege for me to play for this club. I hope it will be for many more years."

A Turbulent Road Back to the Top

Real Madrid's 2025-26 campaign was overshadowed by inconsistency. The club finished second in LaLiga, eight points behind champions Barcelona, and were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. Disappointing results against smaller sides and a lack of tactical clarity led to coaching changes, with Xabi Alonso and later Álvaro Arbeloa failing to steady the ship.

Mourinho's return has injected a sense of optimism among the squad and fans alike. His second coming is expected to bring a return to the pragmatic, counter-attacking style that made Madrid a fearsome European force during his first tenure. He inherits a side that, despite recent struggles, remains packed with world-class talent.

Pre-Season Adjustments

Bellingham was the last Madrid player to report for pre-season training, joining his teammates at Valdebebas on Wednesday after an extended break following the World Cup. He admitted that the early days of training have been demanding but said he is relishing the challenge.

"[I've been] running a lot in the heat, playing a lot of football with my teammates," he said. "It's tough, but it's good as well, to enjoy it, this suffering! I really like this kind of hard work."

The midfielder's late arrival was excused given his participation in the 2026 World Cup, where he delivered a standout performance for England. Bellingham scored seven goals in the tournament, helping the Three Lions reach the semifinals before they were eliminated by eventual champions Argentina. His displays on the biggest stage further cemented his reputation as one of the finest players of his generation.

"The World Cup was a great experience for me and my England teammates," Bellingham said. "But I'm ready to come back and compete. Hopefully, we can win."

LaLiga Schedule and Early Challenges

Madrid's start to the LaLiga season is delayed due to Spain's run to the World Cup final, which has pushed back the opening fixtures. Their first league match is scheduled for August 22 against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, preceded by a friendly at Schalke this Sunday. The extended break allowed more time for Mourinho to implement his tactical ideas, but it also means Madrid will face a congested schedule once the season begins.

Bellingham stressed that the team is ready for the challenges ahead. The squad has undergone significant changes in the transfer window, with several key arrivals designed to bolster the squad's depth and quality.

New Signings and a Renewed Squad

Real Madrid have been active in the summer market, bringing in Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Carlos Espí. These acquisitions address key areas of concern: Cucurella adds versatility and energy at left-back, Bernardo Silva brings creativity and experience in midfield, Konaté is a powerful and athletic central defender, Dumfries offers attacking thrust from right-back, and Espí is viewed as a promising young talent for the future.

Bellingham believes the new arrivals will help Madrid return to the summit of Spanish and European football. "I have a good feeling about this season," he reiterated. "The mix of experienced players and young energy is exactly what we need."

Bellingham's Evolution

Since moving to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, Bellingham has grown into a leader both on and off the pitch. His debut season was extraordinary, with 23 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, earning him the LaLiga Best Player award. Injuries disrupted his second and third seasons, but he still showcased glimpses of the brilliance that made him one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

Mourinho has a history of maximizing the potential of attacking midfielders, and Bellingham's profile suggests they could form a legendary partnership. The coach's focus on tactical discipline and direct play could unlock even greater production from the Englishman, who thrives when given freedom to roam between the lines and arrive late in the penalty area.

"I feel like I already have a relationship with [Mourinho]," Bellingham said, hinting at an immediate connection. "I've only had one chance to see him, but I'm very excited to see what he's like." The mutual respect is evident, and Madrid supporters will be hoping that chemistry translates into trophies.

With the season fast approaching, Real Madrid are eager to put last year's disappointments behind them. The combination of Mourinho's tactical acumen, Bellingham's world-class talent, and a revamped squad has created a palpable sense of anticipation. For Bellingham, the dream of working with Mourinho is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a remarkable chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Source: MSN News