Jude Bellingham: Calm and focus key to Real Madrid’s big-match preparations

Jude Bellingham says Real Madrid’s approach to major matches at Santiago Bernabeu is built around staying calm, concentrating on the task in front of them and ignoring factors beyond their control.

Real Madrid face Sevilla at home on Sunday in the ninth round of La Liga, with Bellingham highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline before and during high-pressure fixtures.

Speaking to Real Madrid’s official channel, the England midfielder said: “We try to reach a state of calm and focus on the task awaiting us, without thinking about the possible results or anything else.”

Bellingham added: “It is extremely important to deal with every action with the highest level of concentration.”

The 10-time Real Madrid appearance-maker this season also stressed the value of focusing only on matters the team can influence.

“I always believe that we should try to control the things that are within our control and not worry about external factors that we cannot do anything about,” he said.

“When every player focuses on that and is ready to give everything for the team, we always feel that we are in a better position.”

Bellingham has played 10 matches for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Real Madrid go into the meeting with Sevilla fourth in the La Liga table on 18 points. Sevilla are fifth with 14 points.