Ricken loses patience: Bellingham debate continues at BVB | OneFootball

Following the recent game against Wolfsburg, BVB boss Lars Ricken reacts annoyed to the constant discussion about Jobe Bellingham. He emphasizes that the 19-year-old will make his way at the club in the long term.

Jobe Bellingham remains a hotly debated topic at BVB - much to the annoyance of Lars Ricken. The Sports Director showed clear annoyance before the game against VfL Wolfsburg and said on DAZN: "It's a shame that we have the topic of Jobe every three or four days before and after the game."

The midfielder was against Wolfsburg (1:0) not in the starting lineup and initially had to take a seat on the bench. Coach Niko Kovac explained beforehand: "He still has to grow into it here." Instead of Bellingham, Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer started in the center. Against Wolfsburg, the 19-year-old was substituted for Nmecha in the 77th minute.

Ricken made it clear that the club is planning for the long term: "We don't think in days or weeks, but we think in years. Jobe has a five-year contract and we are fully convinced that he will make his way here with us." He also emphasized: "We don't need to talk about Jobe constantly before and after every game."

BVB boss Ricken backs Bellingham

Bellingham moved to the Black and Yellows in the summer for 30 million euros from Premier League newcomer AFC Sunderland and signed a contract until 2030. Including the Club World Cup in the USA, he has so far made ten competitive appearances, one goal and one assist, averaging around 40 minutes per game on the field.

Expert Tobias Schweinsteiger also expressed understanding for the coach's decisions: "Felix Nmecha is in great form. He is extremely important for Borussia Dortmund. He (Jobe Bellingham; note by the editor) has to take a back seat now." He also highlighted the additional challenge: "It's a tough task at 19, even with the burden of 30 million on your back."

Added to this is the special expectation from the family: Bellingham's older brother Jude had already written his own success story at BVB. "That's not always easy. I know it all too well," said Schweinsteiger about the pressure on the young Englishman.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.