Excitement, development, ambitions– Jobe Bellingham on his first steps in Black & Yellow | OneFootball

...his first season in Black & Yellow:“I’m very excited. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time because it feels like I signed ages ago. I already feel part of the team and the club. But I can’t wait for the games to start in Germany. Playing in America is nice, but it doesn’t really feel like the reason why you sign for Borussia Dortmund.”

...integrating into the squad for the FIFA Club World Cup:“I saw it as an advantage to be able to take part in the Club World Cup. There were more games, more competitive games at a higher level and on a bigger stage. It helped me get to know my teammates, the staff, the style of play and the club better. It was an incredibly valuable experience for me.”

...teammates who help him:“I try to surround myself with people I can learn from, especially Pascal. It would be stupid not to listen to someone with his experience and expertise. But there are a lot of people on the pitch – Marcel Sabitzer, who has so much experience, Serhou helps me a lot, Ramy, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some. But in terms of advice, these experienced players have really helped me so far. Even little things, little conversations, make a big difference. There’s a good mix of young and older players. I spend a lot of time with Felix, we just have fun. So far, everyone has really helped me.”

... his development at BVB:“I want to improve my entire game, turn my strengths into super powers. That’s a big goal for me because I want to be one of the best midfielders in Europe. Of course, I also want to improve my weaknesses, as every player does. But I came to this club because it’s known for improving young players – and not just young players. In recent years, you’ve seen players of all ages get better here. That was a big incentive for me. When I play, I want to be one of the best players. I just want to work hard and improve. There are many aspects – tactical, technical and also psychological – that I want to work on, but I’m not going to reveal everything.”

... his favourite position:“I can adapt to different positions on the pitch. I have complete confidence in the coach and what he thinks is best for me and the team. So far, I’ve played a bit more offensively than last season, but I don’t feel uncomfortable in those positions. I enjoyed playing as a deeper midfielder at Sunderland and pushing forward on occasion, but that was the best thing for the team at the time. Now I’m trying to adapt to what the coach wants from me.”

... Niko Kovac’s approach:“He wants to play intense football, even in training, and that fits in with what I believe in and how I see myself. His approach to training and games, his entire work ethic – it fits perfectly with how I want to improve and play. I don’t want to be a superstar, I want to be a high-performing player. He’s strict, passionate and understands the game so well because he has so much experience. I felt that he was the best person to entrust my future to.”

...his goals at BVB:“I think titles should be the goal of every player who comes to a club with so much support and expectations from the fans. Why wouldn’t you want to come to a club like this and achieve great things? It’s a club that have been robbed of the big moment they've deserved in recent years – whether it’s in the Champions League or the draw against Mainz. I’ve been to the stadium and I know what the fans think and feel. They long for the championship, don’t they? For me, it’s: why not? I don’t know why I would come to a club like this without wanting to achieve everything that is possible. I think we have the foundations to do that. We have to keep showing our quality in the Bundesliga and in the cup competitions. Of course, I want to come here and win titles, not just develop my skills, as I’ve said many times before.”

... his brother Jude Bellingham’s reaction after signing the contract:“I called him when I knew I was going to sign for Dortmund. He just said he was extremely proud. He laughed a lot, but he had nothing else to say except that I should enjoy it. He always tells me that when we talk. Our conversations aren’t usually that serious, but he just says I should enjoy it because the club is so big and unique. If you really embrace it, it will be an incredible experience.”Transcribed by Christina Reinke