Things took a dramatic turn for Kevin De Bruyne and the Belgium national team following their recent 2-0 defeat against France.
The Manchester City star seemed to express his frustration by telling technical director Frank Vercauteren, “I quit,” right after the match.
This came after a game where goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele decided the outcome in Lyon.
De Bruyne’s Discontent
The midfielder, who has been a standout player for Belgium during their Golden Generation, appeared deeply disillusioned after the loss.
His frustration was evident as he blasted both his teammates and the team’s tactics in an interview post-match.
De Bruyne, who has 107 caps over a 14-year international career, was the sole member of the once-promising squad present in France.
The Post-Match Outburst
After the final whistle, De Bruyne approached Vercauteren and seemed to signal his intention to leave the team.
He then engaged in a conversation with French and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.
Facing the media, De Bruyne didn’t hold back, acknowledging that France had been the superior team.
He criticized Belgium’s defensive setup and lack of cohesion, stating, “We were six at the back.
There was no connection. Even in the second half, it was the same.”
Rather than blaming the pre-match strategy, De Bruyne directed his frustration at individual performances.
Harsh Criticism and Unacceptable Standards
De Bruyne’s criticism didn’t stop there.
He called some aspects of the performance “unacceptable” and insisted that the team must improve in every area. “The standard is the top.
If you can’t handle the top, you’re not good enough,” he asserted.
He emphasized that even the effort on the field wasn’t meeting the required standards, declaring that he would no longer tolerate poor performances.
Tedesco’s Response
Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, addressed the situation by urging De Bruyne to “calm down.”
Tedesco acknowledged the captain’s disappointment but stressed the need for composure. “Kevin is a winner.
He was emotional. Sometimes you say things in the heat of the moment,” Tedesco noted.
He also downplayed concerns about De Bruyne possibly retiring from international duty, urging everyone to remain calm.
Looking Ahead
Belgium’s next major challenge is a Nations League clash against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in exactly a month.
It remains uncertain whether De Bruyne, one of Belgium’s all-time greats, will be leading his team into this crucial match.
The future of both De Bruyne and the national team hangs in the balance.