Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium career is in crisis after the Manchester City star appeared to tell manager Frank Vercauteren: “I quit,” before embarking on an extraordinary post-match outburst.
The explosion came after a lacklustre 2-0 defeat to France, with goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele making the difference in Lyon.
The midfielder has been one of Belgium’s standout figures during the so-called Golden Generation, which has gradually lost its shine and the country has failed to reach any major finals during that time.
De Bruyne, who has won 107 caps in 14 years representing his country, has shown unwavering loyalty so far. Indeed, he was the only member of that group of players who once showed such promise to play in France on Monday.
But last night’s tantrum has put his future at Domenico Tedesco’s side in doubt after he criticised his team-mates and the team’s tactics in an interview following the defeat. HLN information.
Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium career is in crisis after extraordinary post-match outburst
De Bruyne approached manager Frank Vercauteren (right) and appeared to make clear his desire to “leave the team”, before turning to France and Real Madrid player Kylian Mbappe (centre).
The exasperated Belgian captain then faced the media and did not hold back.
Shortly after the final whistle, De Bruyne approached Vercauteren and appeared to make clear his desire to “retire”, before heading off to chat with Real Madrid and French forward Kylian Mbappe.
The exasperated Belgian captain then faced the media, where he was asked if the opposing team had been better.
He replied: “Yes, that’s true. There’s not much to say about it.”
De Bruyne then criticised Belgium’s negative strategy throughout the match, which saw the Red Devils have plenty of ball control but create few substantial chances.
But he refused to blame pre-match tactics, choosing instead to direct his anger at individuals.
“We were six behind,” he said. There was no connection. Not even in the second half. You’re behind, aren’t you?
“I wonder what you see in the game. It’s not about transitions, it’s about the way of playing and people not doing their job.”
Asked what needs to be improved, De Bruyne gave a brutal response, calling certain aspects of the performance “unacceptable.”
The explosion came after a lackluster 2-0 defeat to France.
Goals from Randal Kolo Muani (pictured) and Ousmane Dembele made the difference
The midfielder has been one of Belgium’s standout figures during the so-called Golden Generation, who have failed to live up to expectations at every major tournament, including the 2018 World Cup (pictured).
He said: ‘It has to be better in every way.
‘The standard is the highest. If you can’t meet the highest, you’re not good enough.’
“And then you have to give it your all on the pitch. There are those who don’t even do that.
“I can accept that we are not that good. I am also the first to say that in the past.
“But other things are unacceptable. I’m not going to dwell on that. I did it when I was eighteen at Racing Genk.
“I’m 33 now and I don’t do that anymore.”
The rift within the camp only grew when Tedesco answered questions from reporters, with the coach urging his captain to “calm down.”
He said: “I didn’t watch the interview. After the meeting, I spoke to Kevin.
Vercauteren has been in charge for just over a year and has faced the wrath of De Bruyne
Domenico Tedesco said: “Am I afraid he’ll stop playing internationally? We shouldn’t talk about that now. Everyone needs to calm down.”
Belgium’s next game is a big Nations League clash against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.
“You know, it’s normal for him to be disappointed. We all are. Kevin is a winner. He was excited. And then you can say things like that sometimes.
“Am I afraid that I’ll stop playing internationally? We shouldn’t talk about that now. Everyone needs to calm down.”
Belgium’s next game is a huge Nations League clash against Italy at the Olympic Stadium in exactly one month’s time; whether one of the country’s all-time greatest players will lead his side out on the night remains to be seen.
