Thomas Tuchel has advised Jude Bellingham to bring more discipline into his game in order to better manage his energy. The new England head coach noted that Bellingham sometimes tries to do too much.
Thomas Tuchel has stressed the importance of refining Jude Bellingham’s game by introducing more structure and discipline, with the aim of making him even more effective during high-pressure moments.
As England’s new head coach, Tuchel has taken an early interest in Bellingham’s development, recognising the midfielder’s immense talent but also identifying areas where his approach can be sharpened. According to Tuchel, the goal isn’t to limit Bellingham’s instincts or natural intensity, but rather to help him channel his energy in a way that makes him more efficient and impactful over the full course of a match.
“Jude is the kind of player who always wants to be involved, always wants to help the team, and sometimes that means he’s everywhere on the pitch,” Tuchel said. “He’s always willing to give everything, but we need to help him so he can still have the same impact or maybe even more. We want him to learn when to press, when to hold, when to push forward and when to stay disciplined in his position.”
Tuchel pointed out that with a more structured approach, Bellingham could become even more decisive in the moments that truly matter whether that’s a late run into the box, a key pass in transition, or a crucial defensive intervention. “We need to make sure that the leaders, and he is one of them, and the key players are all moving in the same direction and helping each other,” Tuchel said. “And maybe play with a bit more discipline, to save some energy for the decisive moments.”
These comments came after England’s 2-0 win over Latvia on Monday, March 24. Although Bellingham didn’t score or assist in the match, he played a solid role in midfield, showing his usual drive and commitment. His ability to cover ground, apply pressure, and link play continues to make him one of England’s most important players, even on nights when he’s not directly involved in goals.
Tuchel also praised Bellingham’s mentality and presence on the pitch, highlighting his competitive spirit and emotional involvement during games. “You can see the hunger and the will to win. That has never been a problem. It’s great to have him just the way he is,” the coach said. “We’ll try to get the most out of him because he’s a key player.”
He added that Bellingham isn’t shy when it comes to expressing himself during matches, often interacting with referees and linesmen. “He likes to talk to the referee and the assistant referees. As soon as he steps onto the pitch, he becomes an emotional player. You can just see that he hates losing and does whatever it takes to win. He expresses himself.”
According to Tuchel, that emotional intensity is part of what makes Bellingham so valuable but it also requires balance. Too much running, too many duels, and too many sprints early in the game can leave a player drained when the decisive moments arrive. That’s where structure and tactical discipline come into play.
