Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has assured fans that Jude Bellingham's role will remain unchanged despite Kylian Mbappe's arrival this summer.
Los Blancos are preparing for a long season, starting with their current pre-season trip to the United States and concluding with the Club World Cup next summer.
Ancelotti's side had a stellar 2023-24 campaign, which saw them reclaim the La Liga title from arch-rivals Barcelona, while they also went on to lift the Champions League trophy for a record-extending 15th time.
The Spanish giants added to their already star-studded roster this summer, securing the signing of France's captain earlier in the transfer window.
Following the arrival of the former Paris Saint-Germain talisman, questions arose about who could make way for him, with some reports suggesting that Bellingham may have to play a deeper role to maintain the squad's balance.
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Ancelotti rules out Bellingham role change
Bellingham took on an advanced role at the Santiago Bernabeu in his debut season, during which he netted 23 goals in 42 appearances, helping his side to the domestic league and Europe's elite cup title.
However, during a press conference in Charlotte, where his side is preparing to take on Chelsea, Ancelotti denied rumours suggesting that the 21-year-old England international would be forced to play in a deeper role to accommodate for Les Bleus' skipper.
He said: "Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes.
"The first season, he (Bellingham) surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy. The next season will not be different.
"He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot the team with his quality."
The Italian manager also supported his English star following criticism of his performances at Euro 2024 by saying, "This is an opinion but Bellingham played really well at the Euros."
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Ancelotti on Kepa's future with Los Blancos
Despite having recently returned to Chelsea after a season-long loan in Madrid, the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga remains uncertain.
It appears that he is not in Enzo Maresca's plans for the upcoming season, with reports suggesting he is training separately from the first-team players after returning to pre-season at Cobham.
The 29-year-old shot-stopper is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, while there were also rumours that he might make a permanent return to Madrid.
However, that possibility appears unlikely following Ancelotti's latest statement ahead of his side's match against the Blues.
"In that position, we are covered. Kepa did really well and we were really happy to have him here but I don't know what's going to happen this season. We love him," the Madrid boss said.
Al-Ittihad reportedly had a bid for Kepa turned down by Chelsea this summer but are believed to still be interested in the Spaniard, and could return with a revised offer before the transfer window closes.
Devesh Jaganath
