Niko Kovač explains Jobe Bellingham’s lack of minutes | OneFootball

Jobe Bellingham has played just 221 minutes of a possible 540 for Borussia Dortmund across six appearances in all competitions following his €30m transfer from Sunderland. Speaking in an interview with Kicker, Niko Kovač discussed the reasoning behind the Englishman’s lack of playing time.

“Everyone wants to play more,” said Kovač. “Everyone wants to play every minute, but then you only need eleven players.

“When you sign a contract here, it’s not only well paid but it also means that there’s a hell of a lot of competition.”

Bellingham has started just two of his six appearances for Borussia Dortmund and has somewhat struggled to adapt to his new environment since his move from Sunderland. Kovač did reiterate that “Jobe is a very talented player,” but that he “obviously comes from the English second division,” suggesting that he’s not quite up to the quality expected. “[Jobe is a player] who has great potential, but a player who naturally has to grow into the game here,” added Kovač.

Kovač praised Bellingham’s development, and noted that he had played in every competitive game so far, and argued that there’s a lot of competition at the club for two starting places in central-midfield – which are currently occupied by Felix Nmecha and Marcel Sabitzer – but urged patience from the youngster.

“You can’t make the mistake of applying too much pressure, despite the name,” said Kovač. “I think that’s not doing the boy any favours, and the boy isn’t doing himself any favours.”

Bellingham’s entourage discuss Jobe with Sebastian Kehl

Bellingham was substituted at half-time in Borussia Dortmund’s opening Bundesliga game of the season against St. Pauli, an action which resulted in Jobe’s father and advisor, Mark, and BVB’s Sebastian Kehl having an ‘emotional discussion’ at the Millerntor.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder