After the disappointing European Championships with Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne is still frustrated with the national team and fueled speculation of his retirement after the defeat in France
Captain Kevin De Bruyne has fueled speculation about his future with the Belgian national team. Footage after the 2-0 Nations League defeat in France shows the 33-year-old repeatedly shaking his head and saying “Ik stop” (“I quit”) in conversation with technical director Franky Vercauteren.
On top of that, the leading player sharply attacked his colleagues on Monday evening. “There are players who have not fulfilled their role. Period,” he said on TV station VTM and scolded: ”If you’re not good enough, you at least have to give it your all, which some didn’t do. I can accept that we are no longer at the level we were in 2018, but that is unacceptable.”
In 2018, Belgium finished third in the World Cup after beating England 2-0.
According to Belgian media, De Bruyne also verbally attacked his colleagues directly in the dressing room. National coach Domenico Tedesco, however, brushed aside the rumors of his resignation: “He has the mentality of a winner. He’s emotional and disappointed and that’s why he’s saying that,” said the German coach. “I’m not worried that he’ll say goodbye. “
De Bruyne criticizes excessive workload
De Bruyne has recently criticized his busy schedule, which could also be a reason to reduce his personal workload via the national team. “There will be a problem when the Club World Cup comes next year,” said the veteran. “We know that there will only be three weeks between the Club World Cup final and the first game in the Premier League,” the Manchester City playmaker continued. “So we only have three weeks to rest up and prepare for another 80 games.”
After beating Israel (3-1) and losing in Lyon, Belgium are third in Group A2, which is led by Italy. At the European Championships, the team, which was once again highly rated, lost to France (0:1) in the round of 16 after a weak preliminary round with only one win (2:0 against Romania).
The Belgians continue their Nations League campaign in October with tough games in Italy and against France.