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Real Madrid rift deepens as Courtois 'SLAMS' Bellingham: He offers nothing!
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has allegedly demanded that Jude Bellingham be dropped if his performances and attitude don't improve.
It has been a dire season for Los Blancos, resulting in the sacking of Xabi Alonso earlier this month. His replacement Alvaro Arbeloa has not fared much better so far.
Although Real Madrid have been improved in LaLiga, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by struggling second-tier side Albacete and thoroughly outplayed by Benfica in the Champions League midweek.
England star Jude Bellingham has repeatedly come in for criticism for his performances and body language this season, and Catalan outlet El Nacional sensationally claims that even teammates are growing irritated with the 22-year-old.
In particular, long-serving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is said to be furious with Bellingham for what he allegedly believes is the midfielder's "disinterest" in turning up on matchdays.
Courtois slams Bellingham
It is claimed that the 33-year-old has spoken to Arbeloa to voice his frustration about Bellingham. "Courtois was clear," the publication asserts. "This isn't a personal issue or a direct conflict with Bellingham, but a strictly professional matter.
"The Belgian understands that no one can consider themselves untouchable and that performance should determine the starting lineups. If Bellingham isn't working hard and committed, he should be benched."
Courtois is said to have complained that "the Englishman easily loses focus, doesn't contribute defensively, and when he's not playing well offensively, he offers absolutely nothing to the team."
Several teammates have noticed that his "level of commitment has dropped significantly," the report claims. "He no longer makes a difference in attack, he's late to help out defensively, and his body language conveys disinterest."
Moreover, "there's a feeling in the locker room that Bellingham has been overprotected because of his status, something that's starting to take its toll on the team." It is concluded that "there's no room for complacency" at this stage of the season.
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