England manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that his relationship with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has improved after a period of tension, insisting he enjoys coaching the influential midfielder. The relationship between the pair was sometimes rocky since Tuchel’s arrival at England, with doubts about Bellingham’s place and role in the squad.
Previously a row flared up after the 23-year-old’s mother said that his behaviour on the pitch was “repulsive” and he had to apologise. Bellingham has also been left out of England’s 23-man squad for the World Cup in North America, leaving his future at the tournament in doubt.
The midfielder, however, was able to recover his form and played like a man in his prime as England advanced to the semi-finals. In his statement to reporters on Friday, Tuchel accepted that there had been tough times in their relationship but said it had improved considerably.
Of course, it was “up and down” (relationship but they are in a good place”, Tuchel said.
“I love to be his coach, he’s a top player, a very influential player and I think it goes both ways.”
Jobe Bellingham has, meanwhile, been drafted into Tuchel’s squad for the next few Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has the potential to be on the international scene alongside Jude, and would be the first duo of brothers to play for England since Phil and Gary Neville in 2007.
Tuchel also admitted that Jude had always been pushing him to keep an eye on his development and think about him for the international squad. The England coach said: “Jude was always saying ‘watch him, watch him, he’s OK, he can do it!’.
