Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has urged the fans to show support to Vinícius Júnior and the rest of the squad, following Los Blancos’ 6–1 Champions League win over Monaco on Tuesday.
The Brazilian scored and contributed three assists in one of his finest performances of the season, days after Santiago Bernabéu fans whistled and jeered him during a La Liga win over Levante.
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Madrid fans had recently voiced their frustration with both Vinícius and Bellingham, as well as the team as a whole, following a run of poor performances that resulted in the sacking of coach Xabi Alonso and the team’s elimination from the Copa del Rey.
“Vinícius was really sharp, looked dangerous every time he had the ball and created loads,” Bellingham told TNT Sports.
“I think he’s a player who thrives when he gets love. You could see it today when the atmosphere changed towards him.
“He goes up leaps and bounds in his game and becomes so much more joyful to watch and to play with.
That’s the pressure the whistles can put on a player, but now it seems like he’s free from those shackles a little bit, and hopefully he can continue.”
Bellingham admitted that playing in Saturday’s 2–0 league win over Levante, amid a tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu, was a difficult experience.
“I’ve always said the fans pay their money, work all week and save up to come to Real Madrid games to support us,” the England international said.
“They’re entitled to say what they want. However, I don’t think it’s always very helpful for the team or for individuals.
“Speaking from experience now, I know it’s not the nicest thing in the world, but of course they’re entitled to their opinion.”
Bellingham capped the rout of Monaco with a late goal and celebrated by miming the act of chugging a drink, an apparent response to claims about his off-field lifestyle in Spain.
