Now that pre-season is over, Real Madrid are focusing their attention on preparing for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup. By winning the Champions League last season, Carlo Ancelotti earned the right to begin the 2024/25 campaign with something he knows well, competing for European silverware. This time, he will face Atalanta.
This game will raise a lot of eyebrows and could serve as an indicator as to how Real Madrid will lineup for the upcoming season. Throughout the summer, the discourse has centred around how Kylian Mbappe's arrival will impact the squad. Well, in Real Madrid's first competitive match of the season, these answers may be hinted at.
Carlo Ancelotti could rest Real Madrid top goal-scorer in the Super Cup
According to a report from Marca, there is a big hint that Jude Bellingham could miss out on the UEFA Super Cup, at least from a starting capacity. This comes after Real Madrid were spotted in training, in what appeared to be a "starting XI" and a "non-starting XI". Jude Bellingham was involved in the non-starting XI, which could be a hint about the upcoming UEFA Super Cup.
That said, the report does stress that Carlo Ancelotti is still yet to fully decide his starting lineup. This is something which managers do not fully decide until the deadline for submitting their starting lineup. However, it does serve as an indication that as things stand, Jude Bellingham isn't viewed as a starter for the UEFA Super Cup.
So, what would it mean for Jude Bellingham's upcoming season if he were to be dropped to the bench for the Super Cup? The answer is simple, absolutely nothing. Jude Bellingham was one of Real Madrid's best players last season and he was their leading goal-scorer in La Liga.
The reason why Jude Bellingham is likely considered for the bench is for exactly that reason. He is key to Real Madrid going forward, so Carlo Ancelotti would like for Bellingham to be fresh ahead of the new domestic campaign. After all, he did travel all the way in the EURO 2024 competition, reaching the final. It must be remembered that he is still young, so he should still be protected.
Do you think Jude Bellingham will start in the UEFA Super Cup?