"That does the lad no favours": Niko Kovac on Jobe Bellingham’s role | OneFootball

The expectations for him are enormous. The name Bellingham alone causes waves of enthusiasm in Dortmund. Jude's (22) brilliant performances are unforgettable. However, his brother Jobe (19) is not yet at the same level and needs more time. His coach Niko Kovač (53) is aware of this.

Jude brought BVB about 130 million euros when he transferred to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. His record with the Black and Yellows, with 49 goal involvements in 132 appearances, does not nearly express the value of the midfield all-rounder. Whether as an aggressive leader who nips opposing attacks in the bud, or as a motivator and goal scorer in the offense, Jude embodies world class. The 22-year-old is one of Europe's best and most versatile midfielders.

Big shoes to fill for his brother who is more than two years younger. "Jobe is a very talented young player who comes from the second English league and needs to grow into his role here," Kovač said on Friday (September 19) at the press conference before the match against his former club VfL Wolfsburg. "We know exactly what we expect from him and what the future should bring."

"There is a hell of a lot of competition here"

So far, Jobe has been on the pitch in all five competitive matches this season. He was in the starting lineup twice. However, the captain of the English U21 national team has not yet played a full 90-minute match. "Everyone wants to play more," emphasizes Kovač, but adds: "When you sign a contract here, you know: There is a hell of a lot of competition." Nevertheless, he is "satisfied" with the development of the new signing from Sunderland.

What's next for Jobe? "I do think that the number six role is the position where we see him in the long term," Kovač explains and adds: "I don't want to make comparisons, but he has a high level of potential. But it has to develop, it's a process."

Bellingham's contract with the Black and Yellows ends in 2030. Whether he will bring Borussia a similar million-dollar income as his brother remains to be seen in the coming years. However, Dortmund's head coach warns against too high expectations. "You must not make the mistake of putting too much pressure on him because of his name," says Kovač. "That would not do the young man any favors."

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