Jude Bellingham Questions Ancelotti’s Tactical Decisions After Defeat to Athletic Bilbao

In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s surprising 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao, Jude Bellingham has raised concerns about Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical decisions, specifically the benching of two promising players, Endrick and Arda Güler. Speaking during a post-match press conference, Bellingham clarified that his intention was not to criticize Ancelotti but expressed frustration with the team’s performance and the impact of the lineup choices.

Bellingham’s Statement

“I’m not trying to criticize Ancelotti, but there are two players who shouldn’t have been benched yesterday,” Bellingham stated. “It was the reason behind our defeat.” The English midfielder hinted that the absence of Endrick and Güler in the starting XI significantly affected the team’s dynamics, leaving Madrid struggling to find the cutting edge they needed against Bilbao.

The Bench Debate: Endrick and Arda Güler

Endrick, the highly-touted Brazilian prodigy, has been earning recognition for his potential and performances in training. Arda Güler, the Turkish playmaker, has also showcased his creative spark in previous games. Both players were left on the bench in what Ancelotti likely considered a strategic decision, but their omission has sparked questions from fans and now from one of Madrid’s star players.

With key players like Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo struggling to break down Bilbao’s disciplined defense, many believe that introducing the youthful energy and creativity of Endrick and Güler earlier in the game could have turned the tide.

Ancelotti’s Perspective

Carlo Ancelotti defended his decision during his post-match remarks, stating, “Every game requires a different approach. We have a deep squad, and rotations are necessary to keep everyone fit and ready. Sometimes these decisions work, and sometimes they don’t.”

However, the loss has intensified scrutiny of the Italian manager’s strategy as Real Madrid fights to maintain momentum in the La Liga title race.

Madrid’s Current Challenges

Real Madrid is currently balancing a congested fixture schedule, with domestic league matches and Champions League commitments testing the squad’s depth. Ancelotti has emphasized the need to rotate players to avoid fatigue, but questions are being raised about whether the balance between maintaining fitness and fielding the strongest possible XI is being struck.

Looking Ahead

The comments from Bellingham highlight potential tension within the team, as the club navigates the challenges of a highly competitive season. Fans will be closely watching how Ancelotti responds to the criticism and whether Endrick and Güler are given more opportunities in upcoming matches.

For now, Madrid must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next fixture. The stakes are high, and both players and management will need to align to ensure the team bounces back stronger.