Arbeloa's Surprising Training Request: Bellingham Told to Pace Himself at Real Madrid
28 January 2026
Behind the Scenes with Arbeloa and Bellingham
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's new coach, shared fresh behind-the-scenes moments from the team's training with England's Jude Bellingham, painting a portrait of a manager who blends candor with a touch of humor and a plan to protect his star from burning out.
Observers note Bellingham's immense quality and zeal, yet Arbeloa urges balance, encouraging rest and measured bursts in training and matches.
As per Gol, the former defender, who took charge earlier this month after replacing a predecessor, has revived Madrid's mood and views the England star as a cornerstone.
Pace, Leadership, and the Road Ahead
Arbeloa said: 'Bellingham has shown quality in technique, leadership, character, and charisma' during training and matches consistently.
He added the commitment in drills is enormous, mirroring a winner's mindset every day.
Arbeloa also stressed that it's important to pace his energy, not just to chase results, but to extend Bellingham's career at Madrid levels.
In a candid moment, Arbeloa added that since day one he sensed exceptional quality and leadership in Bellingham. After a tough match, he reportedly told him: 'Stop running'—not as a punishment, but as a reminder to pace himself today anyway.
The coach praised Bellingham's focus, leadership, and drive, calling him a potential cornerstone for Real Madrid in the years ahead with steady growth ahead.
Madrid fans can expect a steady evolution, as Arbeloa cultivates a disciplined atmosphere, where Bellingham's energy is harnessed to unlock space, read plays, and convert chances. The striker's future appears bright, anchored by a coach who values longevity as much as speed.
Additionally, the Champions League clash setup noted: Benfica vs Real Madrid is scheduled for 21:00 on 28 January 2026, a reminder that Madrid's calendar remains packed with big nights.
In this framework, Arbeloa's message is clear—focus, energy management, and leadership will steer Madrid toward a future where talent and longevity go hand in hand.
Punchline 1: If Bellingham ever slows down, Madrid will finally have a marathon champion—just call the stadium the finish line.
Punchline 2: Stop running, says Arbeloa; Jude retorts: 'Relax, coach, my legs come with a lifetime warranty.'
