Jude Bellingham’s role at Real Madrid will not change following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, says manager Carlo Ancelotti.
England midfielder Bellingham, 21, played in an advanced role for the Spanish side in his debut season, scoring 23 goals in 42 games as they won La Liga and the Champions League.
France striker Mbappe, 25, joined Real this summer on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain.
Ancelotti denied Bellingham would play in a deeper role to accommodate Mbappe, saying: “Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes.
The Italian also backed Bellingham after criticism of his performances at Euro 2024, where England reached the final.
Ancelotti has also urged Chelsea’s owners to be more patient with managers having sacked Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino since the change of ownership.
The former Blues manager will face his compatriot Enzo Maresca as both clubs finish their US tours at the Bank of America stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday.
Before explaining Madrid do not need to re-sign exiled Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti said: “We love him. We love him but in that position, we are covered.”
