Dortmund podcasters Attribute Bellingham‘s Struggles to Self-Imposed Pressure, Dismiss External Interference
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham’s inconsistent playing time and recent performances are stemming from internal pressure, according to a recent analysis by podcasters at Sport1. The commentators dismissed suggestions of external factors influencing coach Edin Terzić’s decisions, asserting that Bellingham’s struggles are purely sporting in nature and understandable given his current form.
The discussion, featured on the Sport1 podcast “The Dortmund Week,” centers on Bellingham’s difficulty replicating his Club world Cup performance. While he briefly returned to the starting lineup against Athletic Bilbao, he was identified as the team’s weakest link, rushing plays and appearing inhibited. Podcasters Sedlbauer and Müller believe the 20-year-old is acutely aware of the heightened scrutiny surrounding him,leading to a lack of self-confidence and ultimately impacting his play.
“He played really well at the Club World Cup. But as then he has not been able to build on that,” Sedlbauer stated. “Against Athletic Bilbao, he was back in the first team for the first time and was the weakest man on the pitch. He was frequently enough too fast against the Spaniards.”
Müller echoed this sentiment, adding, “The boy puts too much pressure [on himself]. He knows that he is under special observation, and that inhibits him.” He further emphasized that it’s “logical that other players stand in front of him in the ranking” at this stage, and hopes the media attention surrounding Bellingham will subside, allowing him to develop without undue pressure.
The podcasters also dismissed any notion that outside influence is impacting Terzić’s team selection.”Interferes in sporting decisions so early in the season is a no-go for the two,” the article states, with Müller adding, “And it doesn’t help.Kovac is immune to something like that.”
