Real Madrid superstar embracing Mourinho’s new demands: ‘Most disciplined player here’

Real Madrid superstar embracing Mourinho’s new demands: ‘Most disciplined player here’ Jude Bellingham endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid, but the midfielder’s mood has changed dramatically since Jose Mourinho took charge. According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana , Bellingham is enjoying the new demands Mourinho has introduced and has responded to the manager’s methods with a level of discipline that has impressed people inside the club. A source close to Mourinho believes one of the biggest changes has been Bellingham’s positioning.  The England international is playing closer to goal in the manager’s system, operating as a No. 10 with greater freedom to influence attacking phases. “Above all, he’s playing closer to goal,” says a source.  “He’s performing better because he’s running fewer kilometres,” he added. Bellingham embraces Mourinho’s new approach Bellingham is getting back to his previous self. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Mourinho had already identified Bellingham as a player capable of returning to his best and spoke to him before the World Cup about how he could be used. The manager’s idea is to keep Bellingham involved across the pitch while allowing him to concentrate more on attacking situations. That appears to have suited the midfielder. “He is really enjoying the new demands and mindset that (Mourinho) has brought, ” that same source says. The change comes after a 2025/26 campaign affected by inconsistency and injuries, where Bellingham was managing a shoulder problem, while his outstanding first campaign had naturally raised expectations around him. Real Madrid source calls Bellingham most disciplined player Bellingham’s influence has not only been visible during matches, as people at Madrid’s training ground continue to regard him as one of the strongest voices in the dressing room. Bellingham is embracing his role under Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “He always takes great care of himself and works very hard; he stays on every afternoon to recover and work out in the gym,” says a club source.  “He’s the most disciplined player here, although there are plenty of players who no doubt do a lot at home.” That dedication, combined with his relationship with Mourinho, has made Bellingham one of Real Madrid’s key hopes heading into Sunday’s derby against Atletico Madrid. The tactical adjustment may be helping him physically, but the bigger change appears to be psychological.  Bellingham is embracing Mourinho’s demands rather than resisting them, and Real Madrid are beginning to see a version of their midfielder that looks closer to the player they expected when he first arrived.