Stop running — Real Madrid coach makes strange request of Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid's head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, revealed that he has personally asked Jude Bellingham to moderate his physical output, stressing that the England international’s relentless running diminishes his sharpness.

 Speaking ahead of Madrid’s UEFA Champions League knockout clash against Benfica, Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid head coach on January 12th, lauded the England international’s industrious nature but urged him to tone it down. 

“Jude, and I'll say it right here, it’s not that he was a surprise, but from day one I've seen a player with exceptional quality and talent,” he said, per Goal.  

“Something that's even more surprising up close. But beyond that, I've seen a leader. The other day, 48 hours after a match, I told him, 'I never usually say this, but stop running. The performance he's showing in training, his commitment and leadership… I'm very proud of his level and of having a player like him. 

"On the pitch, he's capable of so many things: he makes runs into space, reads the game, and has a great shot. He's young, but he has a wealth of experience. And he's going to be the cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many, many years to come."

Arbeloa’s comments come amid growing concern over Bellingham’s workload since his explosive debut season, when he registered 24 goals and 12 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, helping Madrid win La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. 

Despite a dip in goal output compared to his sensational debut campaign, Bellingham has still registered 6 goals and 4 assists in 25 appearances this season, underlining his continued influence.

Bellingham’s physical output remains among the highest in European football, having already amassed over 15,000 competitive minutes before the age of 21, ranking him fourth among all modern-era players for workload, behind only Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fàbregas and Gianluigi Donnarumma.