Jobe Bellingham parents' anger 'understandable' as Germany legend wonders if Borussia Dortmund and Niko Kovac know how to use 'star signing'

The 19-year-old midfielder, who arrived from Sunderland this summer on a five-year deal, was taken off at half-time as they started the Bundesliga season with a 3-3 draw at St. Pauli. His parents, Mark and Denise, were unhappy with the decision and confronted sporting director Sebastian Kehl after the game. Dortmund responded the following day, with managing director Lars Ricken stressing that they will ensure only "players, coaches, and any officials have access to the locker room area."

Bellingham’s move to Dortmund was one of the most talked-about signings of the summer. Much like his older brother Jude, who became a star at Dortmund before heading to Real Madrid, the teenager is expected to shine in the midfield under Niko Kovac. He arrived after a standout year at Sunderland, where he scored four goals, added three assists, and won the Championship Young Player of the Year award while helping the club earn promotion to the Premier League. 

His short Bundesliga debut left much to be desired, though, and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich star Matthaus says much of the blame lies with Dortmund and Kovac as he sympathised with the player's parents.

Matthaus, in his column for Sky, said that he was confused by Kovac's changes and wonders if the German side know how to fit Bellingham into the midfield, but stressed such confrontations should be kept away from the stadium corridors.

"Jobe Bellingham's parents caused a stir in the catacombs at BVB," he wrote. "Sebastian Kehl responded with strong words. I understand both sides. Bellingham didn't start in Essen; he's the star signing. I was already asking myself at Dortmund: 'Where are the regulars?'

"I don't know about Bellingham after the first two competitive matches. Does he have a regular starting place or not? Bellingham himself doesn't know: 'Is the coach counting on me?' Niko Kovac started with Marcel Sabitzer, Pascal Gross and Bellingham in the center at St. Pauli. But then there's Felix Nmecha. For me, those four players are sixes or eights. You can play with one six and two eights, or use [Julian] Brandt at number 10. Bellingham isn't a number 10.

"His parents manage him and are dissatisfied with his playing time. I understand their point of view. There's some anger, but not where it happened. That shouldn't happen in the catacombs, but rather the next day or the day after in Dortmund behind closed doors in an office belonging to Lars Ricken, Kehl, or Kovac. Nevertheless, Kovac shouldn't constantly make too many substitutions in midfield and attack; he should make a commitment and then put his trust in these players."

Dortmund face Union Berlin on Sunday, with eyes on whether Bellingham gets the chance to show why he was signed as a star for the future.