Tonight, Real Madrid faces Manchester City for a spot in the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The match will be intense, but Pep Guardiola's comments about Jude Bellingham are also capturing attention.
Guardiola's Pressure
The Manchester City coach is no stranger to psychological warfare before important matches. Throughout the week, he has sent several messages that seem aimed at sowing doubt in the minds of Madrid's players.
In a recent press conference, Guardiola stated that City's chances of surpassing Madrid were just 1%. However, his comments aren't limited to match strategy. They have also involved Jude Bellingham, who was recently sent off during a 1-1 draw against Osasuna.
Bellingham's Controversy
The English midfielder was embroiled in controversy following his expulsion last weekend. In statements after the match, Bellingham explained that his behavior wasn't an insult toward the referee but an expression of internal frustration.
"It's clear that I've made a mistake, there was a communication error. I didn't mean to put the team in a situation where I wanted to leave them with ten," he commented. According to the player, what he said wasn't directed at the referee but was a personal expression of anger.
However, the matter didn't end there. In the press conference before the match against Real Madrid, Guardiola was questioned about the incident, and his words caused even more controversy.
Guardiola's Interpretation
Pep Guardiola, known for his keen locker room psychology, made a remark that could further ignite the mood in the Madrid locker room. The Catalan coach expressed that the problem wasn't the translation of what Bellingham said but the intention behind his words.
"There have always been insults in soccer. The problem isn't the translation; it's the intention," Guardiola noted with a smile. Indirectly, he suggested that only the player and the referee know the true intention of Bellingham's words, fueling the controversy.
Despite his relaxed tone, Guardiola's words seemed aimed at creating noise and destabilizing the Madrid team before the match. These types of comments have a dual function: on one hand, they seek to divert attention and, on the other, to put pressure on Madrid's players.
Bellingham's Reaction
Bellingham didn't take long to respond to Guardiola's statements. The midfielder, who has become a key piece for Real Madrid, was upset with the City coach's comments.
"Everyone should focus on their work and not talk," said Bellingham, making it clear that he didn't want to be the center of the controversy created by Guardiola. The British player defended his attitude on the field, insisting that there was no intention to disrespect anyone.