The players of Borussia Dortmund are apparently relieved when Jude Bellingham departed for Real Madrid since the midfielder was constantly the centre of attention.
According to Bild, Dortmund players feel Bellingham was overshadowed by Erling Haaland and went on to salute the crowd alone after games rather than with his teammates. Last season, he was asked to lead the team on multiple occasions, but his teammates believed he lacked leadership abilities and was temperamental, which caused conflicts within the group.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Some of the players even questioned his behaviour with some of his other colleagues as he allegedly was not too kind on a few occasions. The report mentions that he insulted Nico Schulz after Dortmund were knocked out by Rangers in the Europa League in 2021-22. According to lip readers, he reportedly said, “You can’t play a f***ing pass, you’re f***ing s**t! Every damn time!”
AND WHAT’S MORE: It was not an isolated incident and there were many occasions when Bellingham reportedly snapped at his team-mates in the previous season. However, things have improved under new club skipper Emre Can as he is believed to have brought a refreshing spirit to the dressing room. Bellingham’s replacement, former United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, is also liked by his co-stars whereas other senior players such as Sebastian Haller have taken up more serious roles in the team council for English-speaking players.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Bellingham has settled well in his new surroundings after Madrid agreed to pay an initial €103 million (£89m/$110m), though that figure could rise by a further €30m (£26m/$32m) if certain targets are met. He scored in Madrid’s La Liga opener against Athletic Club and would look to repeat his heroics in the second game at Almeria.
