A forthcoming documentary about Jude Bellingham will reportedly reveal there is "no love lost" between the England star's family and Thomas Tuchel, according to football journalist Graham Hunter.
Bellingham's Public Response to Tuchel
The claim comes just days after Bellingham appeared to publicly hit back at his England manager following the Three Lions' dramatic World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway, with the pair's relationship becoming a major talking point ahead of tonight's semi-final against Argentina.
Speaking on the Off The Ball podcast, Hunter, an expert on Spanish football, said he had been made aware of the contents of a documentary that has been filming Bellingham over the past 21 months.
"There's a documentary that's being filmed in Spain with Jude over the last year and three quarters," Hunter said. "And I will tell you unequivocally that there is absolutely no love lost from the Bellingham family towards Thomas Tuchel."
Post-Match Exchange After Norway Win
Hunter's comments follow an extraordinary post-match exchange after England's 2-1 extra-time win over Norway. Despite reaching the World Cup semi-finals, Tuchel criticised his team's display, insisting they had been "lucky" and saying he was "not happy with the performance".
Bellingham, who scored both England goals, appeared unimpressed when informed of those comments during his ITV interview. "Yeah, well, whatever. Whatever," he replied. The Real Madrid midfielder later suggested Tuchel may not appreciate the demands placed on the players. "Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth," Bellingham said. Asked whether he agreed England had been fortunate to progress, he simply answered: "No comment."
Tuchel's Management Style Under Scrutiny
Hunter believes the disagreement is not simply about one interview, suggesting Tuchel's management style has long divided opinion among players. "I've been close to somebody who manages a player Tuchel had," Hunter explained. "When you sit on the bench next to him, you hear the vitriol that comes out of his mouth about the players on the pitch. You realise then, 'When I'm playing that's me getting abused by him'."
However, Hunter also praised Tuchel's coaching ability, describing him as "not just a leading coach, but verging on brilliant." He argued that elite footballers often take time to fully buy into coaches who did not enjoy distinguished playing careers. "The leading footballers, without exception, until that manager gains their adoration and loyalty - not just obedience - footballers will always look at anybody who hasn't done what they've done with disdain," he said. "And Tuchel did poke Bellingham, very hard indeed."
Media Dismissals and Confirmation of Tensions
Hunter acknowledged others in the English media have dismissed suggestions of a major feud, but insisted tensions are real. "I've seen people I hold in high regard in English media say 'there is no war' - fine," he added. "They are two very sparky, opinionated people. It doesn't mean England will collapse. But Bellingham and his family do not like Thomas Tuchel, it's that simple."
Impact on England's World Cup Campaign
The comments come at a crucial moment for England, who face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, with Bellingham and captain Harry Kane expected to be key to their hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966. The winner will take on Spain in Sunday's final.
