Jude Bellingham has been urged to be “protected” by Thomas Tuchel as the England midfielder continues to take the brunt of criticism amid inconsistent Real Madrid performances.
The former Birmingham City player has carried huge responsibility since arriving at the Bernabeu, but a difficult run for Madrid has seen attention turn towards their biggest names. And with England set to begin a new era under Tuchel, there are calls for the national team boss to manage Bellingham carefully.
Scotland legend Gordon Strachan believes the 20-year-old is already aware of what comes with starring for a club like Madrid, and warned that criticism can quickly become personal when results dip.
“Bellingham knows he’s going to get battered,” Strachan said, pointing to how quickly opinion can swing when performances are not at the required level at the Bernabeu.
Strachan added that Tuchel has a duty to shield Bellingham in the England set-up, arguing that the midfielder should not be expected to solve everything on his own. The message, he suggested, is that England must not overload one player, no matter how important he is.
The same view has also been aimed at Real Madrid’s next coach, with Xabi Alonso among those urged to ensure Bellingham is supported rather than left as the face of every problem when Madrid are not firing.
Bellingham remains a key figure for both club and country, but the warning is clear: if Real Madrid’s form continues to fuel scrutiny, those around him must make sure the pressure does not become damaging as England’s new cycle begins under Tuchel.
