Bellingham has outlined the change in his role in a chat with Real Madrid TV, saying he now has greater freedom to decide when to drop deeper, stay high, or arrive in the box—something he believes suits him best.
Mourinho still wants him to press and win the ball back, but from a higher starting position. Rather than retreating toward his own area, Bellingham can channel his energy into pressing further upfield. When Madrid regain possession, he’s already near the front line, linking midfield to attack and combining more easily with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.
That’s why Mourinho keeps stressing that the forwards must operate as a collective rather than as isolated talents—football is about all 11, not two stars plus nine others.
Bellingham has called working with Mourinho a dream, despite only having met him once before his arrival, and there’s clear mutual respect. Mourinho has repeatedly labeled Bellingham a unique, vital piece of his plan—physically, mentally, and tactically—and even tipped him as a Ballon d’Or contender. He’s praised Bellingham’s mentality, tactical intelligence, ball recovery, pressing, and impact in the final third, saying he’s delighted with him.