It’s a public dispute that is now leading to further consequences. Thibaut Courtois no longer wants to play in goal for the Belgian national team under national team coach Domenico Tedesco
The conflict between Belgium’s long-serving international keeper Thibaut Courtois and national team coach Domenico Tedesco has reached its lowest point. The 32-year-old announced his resignation from the national team – the reason being Tedesco. “Unfortunately, after the events with the coach and after careful consideration, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his leadership. I take my share of responsibility in this matter,” the Real Madrid keeper announced on social media.
The rift was triggered last June when Tedesco gave striker Romelu Lukaku the captain’s armband for the injured Kevin De Bruyne in the international match against Austria (1:1) instead of Courtois, who had previously been honored for his 100th international match. The goalkeeper departed after the match, although there was still a game against Estonia to play. After subsequent mutual accusations, in which Courtois virtually accused his coach of lying, the dispute degenerated
“Atmosphere of cordiality” not to be achieved
“Looking to the future, my lack of trust in him would not help to maintain the necessary atmosphere of cordiality,” the 102-time international keeper continued. The association had accepted his point of view and the reasons “that led me to this painful but logical decision”. He regrets that he may have disappointed some fans, “but I am convinced that this is the best solution for Belgium, as it ends a debate and allows the team to concentrate on pursuing its goals”.
At the European Championship in Germany, former Wolfsburg player Koen Casteels (also 32, 14 appearances for his home country) last kept goal for the Belgian team
