Jude Bellingham spoke to the media in the Anfield press room ahead of the Liverpool-Real Madrid league-phase clash on matchday five of the Champions League (Wednesday, 9 pm CET): “In the dressing room and on the bus there is a lot of confidence. We've had injuries before and we've held our own. I have a lot of faith in the squad and all the players can make an impact, whether they start or come off the bench. Whenever a player has come on as a replacement for another he's always done well.”

“When you have hard times as a team you have honest conversations and admittedly we weren't performing. We have players who can score and win the game, but we lacked attitude with and without the ball. We hope we can show what we've done in the last two games tomorrow.”

Liverpool
“These are two great teams facing each other and we'll work hard to win the game. Liverpool are leaders in the league and in the Champions League. They're a top team and the players are performing at an extraordinary level. It'll be a big test tomorrow, but I'm feeling very confident.”

His performance against Leganés
“It was a good match. I put in a good performance and played well. When you score a goal it confuses the situation, but I am always very self-critical. The headlines come when you score. Expectations are high after the goals I scored last year. I didn't score, but I have been playing at a good level. I play my best football when I can look for openings and get up the pitch.”

His versatility in midfield
“It's been like any other adaptation. It changes the dynamic a bit, the style of play and the approach, but I've shown that I can play in different positions. I prefer a bit more up front, but it's not important for me. I'm willing to play wherever they put me and I'm not affected by the position. We always set the team up to win. There have been a lot of injuries and that's why I've been changing positions.”

“I talk to Ancelotti every day and I have a very good relationship with him. I've sacrificed myself, like other players, to help the team. I contribute to the team's play like Fede and Cama do. I haven't scored many goals, but we have a very versatile squad and sometimes we have to cover when there are injuries. I know where I'm comfortable, but I have the chance to perform to the best of my ability wherever I play.”

His goal-scoring role compared to last season
“I joined last summer and the club lost Benzema, one of its best players. There was a gap and it was a way to compensate for this lack of goals. This year we have signed one of the best players of this generation, who has scored an unbelievable amount of goals. My role is going to change and I'm totally willing to do that. I've scored in the last two games and it's good to contribute with goals. Ancelotti's calmness has an impact on the dressing room and his very relaxed manner is always beneficial in these important games.”

Vini Jr.’s injury
“He's one of the best in the world, if not the best. You always sort of get used to being with him and it's a big loss, but I have a lot of faith in the rest of the group. He's disappointed not to be able to help the team, but we all have to step up to help the team.”

Mbappé
"He receives excessive criticism and what he has contributed has been very positive. He's amazing in training and I'm convinced he's going to get even better.”
 
The Ballon d'Or
“When we won the Champions League that was our Ballon d'Or and the recognition that the team is the best in Europe. There was a lot of talk about the Ballon d'Or and I think a Real Madrid player deserved it, maybe Vini Jr. Rodri is a great player, but it was reasonable to give it to a Madrid player.”

Criticism with England team
“In the Euro, I was not treated well compared to before. They blamed me a bit for us losing the final. I was happy with the last international break. In the Madrid shirt I've never lost my smile.  I'm the luckiest guy in the world: I represent my country and I'm at the best club in the world. Criticism is part of the game, but when it's personal criticism it's a challenge to silence people. They said I wasn't ready to play.”

“The pressure is no problem. I felt I contributed well in the tournament at important moments, but it felt like the world was coming down on me. Critics said I didn't talk to the media and I didn't even do press conferences. I wasn't above anything. I was with my family during the tournament and I haven't spoken about this publicly. They crossed the line of respect and I prefer my performances to do the talking to the British press. Family always comes first and my mother didn't want to leave the house after the tournament. I preferred to keep quiet.”

Was he close to signing for Liverpool?
“I wasn't close to signing for Liverpool. I had talks with several clubs when I was in Germany. When Real Madrid call you, there are vibrations all over the house. It's not that the other teams were good or bad, but that Real Madrid is on another level.”

Alexander Arnold
“He's a Liverpool player and it's disrespectful to be in his house and talk about the future. It's a very important game. You have to take the pressure off him. He's a great friend and I wish him all the best from tomorrow.”