Jobe Bellingham has been publicly backed by Borussia Dortmund’s manager after his horror mistake against German giants Bayern Munich on the weekend.
The Birmingham-born midfielder, brother of Real Madrid star Jude, has endured a particularly difficult start to life in the Bundesliga since making the move in the summer.
Jobe’s troubles began as early as the opening day of the season when he was hauled off after just 45 minutes of his debut. His ’emotional’ father Mark allegedly tried to confront Dortmund boss Niko Kovac in the dressing room afterwards leading to a reported ban.
The midfielder has since lost his place in the yellow-and-black’s starting line-up and has not started a single one of the club’s last five league games.
And things went from bad to worse for Jobe during his 17-minute cameo at the Allianz Arena on the weekend.
The 20-year-old was introduced with Dortmund 1-0 down against the league champions after a Harry Kane opener in the first-half.
Jobe Bellingham has received the support of his manager after a difficult start to life in Germany
The 20-year-old cost his side a goal on the weekend in their 2-1 loss at Bayern Munich
Michael Olise pounced on a delayed clearance from Jobe which deflected into the back of the net
But just five minutes after being subbed on, Jobe effectively ended his side’s chances of getting back in the game with a shocking mistake in his own box.
Having intercepted a low Luis Diaz cross from the left, the Englishman struggled to get the ball out of his feet before his clearance was deflected in by Michael Olise, putting Bayern 2-0 up. Julian Brandt did however pull one back for the visitors but it wasn’t enough as Munich held on for a 2-1 win.
Dortmund boss Kovac nevertheless backed Jobe post-match after his costly error.
When asked about Olise’s goal, the Croatian said: ‘I don’t see any fault on Jobe’s part. He’s where he needs to be.’
Kovac also hinted that the out-of-favour star could be in-line for a somewhat surprising start on Tuesday night when BVB take on Copenhagen in the Champions League.
‘Jobe makes a very good impression on me,’ he said. ‘I have no problem with possibly fielding him tomorrow. He started against (Athletic) Bilbao.
‘I know what he can do, I know what the others can do. We have a good, deep squad.’
Bayern forward Kane, 32, too came to the defence of Jobe, telling reporters post-match that it’s a ‘tough situation’ for the young midfielder.
BVB boss Kovac however claimed the goal was not Jobe’s fault
Harry Kane also defended his fellow Englishman while speaking to reporters post-match
‘He (Jobe) tries to control the first ball,’ the England captain said. ‘But Michael Olise reacts well and slides into the ball. Unfortunate, but he just has to keep going and work hard.
‘He’s a good player with a lot of potential. I’m sure he wants to play more right now but that’s part of learning at this level. He has a great future ahead of him, he just needs to keep working.’
Dortmund currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, some seven points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich.
Jobe is yet to register a goal or an assist in 10 appearances for his new club.
