Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel emphasised on Monday that his team is fully prepared to confront the formidable threat posed by the "extraordinary" Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham, in their upcoming home Champions League semi-final, first leg clash.
The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Tuesday, pits the 14-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid, against Bayern Munich, who boast six titles in the competition. This encounter stands as the most frequently played semi-final fixture in the history of the tournament.
Bellingham, the 20-year-old English midfielder, made a significant move to Real Madrid from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of the season.
Since his arrival, Bellingham has rapidly established himself as a linchpin in Real's midfield, earning accolades as one of the world's premier talents. Impressively, despite primarily operating in midfield, he leads Real Madrid's league goal-scoring charts this season with 17 goals to his name.
Tuchel's acknowledgment of Bellingham's prowess underlines the recognition within Bayern Munich's camp of the threat posed by the young midfielder. As the two European giants lock horns, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Bellingham as he seeks to maintain his influential presence and impact on the semi-final stage.
Tuchel said Bellingham was "a key player in a very offensive position" for the Spanish giants.
"Jude is extraordinary. He was fantastic here in the Bundesliga, how he progressed shows the level of personality he has, it's only possible with a huge personality.
"Everyone who plays for Madrid plays with the pressure of the shirt. He plays with the pressure to play with this club and all the expectations.
"He handles it like he's never done anything else," said Tuchel. "But we are well aware of it and will try and find solutions tomorrow (Tuesday)."
(With AFP inputs)
The highly anticipated match, scheduled for Tuesday, pits the 14-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid, against Bayern Munich, who boast six titles in the competition. This encounter stands as the most frequently played semi-final fixture in the history of the tournament.
Bellingham, the 20-year-old English midfielder, made a significant move to Real Madrid from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of the season.
Since his arrival, Bellingham has rapidly established himself as a linchpin in Real's midfield, earning accolades as one of the world's premier talents. Impressively, despite primarily operating in midfield, he leads Real Madrid's league goal-scoring charts this season with 17 goals to his name.
Tuchel's acknowledgment of Bellingham's prowess underlines the recognition within Bayern Munich's camp of the threat posed by the young midfielder. As the two European giants lock horns, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Bellingham as he seeks to maintain his influential presence and impact on the semi-final stage.
Tuchel said Bellingham was "a key player in a very offensive position" for the Spanish giants.
"Jude is extraordinary. He was fantastic here in the Bundesliga, how he progressed shows the level of personality he has, it's only possible with a huge personality.
"Everyone who plays for Madrid plays with the pressure of the shirt. He plays with the pressure to play with this club and all the expectations.
"He handles it like he's never done anything else," said Tuchel. "But we are well aware of it and will try and find solutions tomorrow (Tuesday)."
(With AFP inputs)
