Belgium’s captain Kevin De Bruyne has expressed his frustration after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to France in their UEFA Nations League Group A2 match on Monday. The loss adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the Belgian national team, which has been struggling to recapture its best form in recent years.
De Bruyne, known for his leadership and high standards, was visibly frustrated throughout the match. His dissatisfaction was evident not only during the game but also in his post-match interview with Belgian broadcaster VTM. While the midfielder refrained from explicitly stating what went wrong, he hinted that the issues had already been addressed internally at half-time.
“I can’t say here what went wrong. I already did that to the team at half-time,” De Bruyne explained. “I cannot repeat that in the media, but it has to be better in every way. If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you don’t even do that, it’s over.”
Reflecting on Belgium’s decline since their peak performance in the 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, De Bruyne acknowledged that the team’s current level is below the standard they once set. “I can accept that we’re not as good as in 2018. I was the first to see that, but other things are unacceptable,” he said, without elaborating further on those “unacceptable” aspects.
When pressed to specify what went wrong, De Bruyne pointed to the team’s defensive setup as a key issue. “We are too many at the back. If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection. It is not about transition, but about people who do not perform their tasks.”
A tough result in Lyon, but the #NationsLeague battle continues. #FRABEL #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/0SJGVbMDNF
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) September 9, 2024
This comment highlighted a disconnect in Belgium’s tactical approach, with De Bruyne seemingly frustrated at the lack of cohesion between defense and attack. The absence of fluidity in the team’s play has become a recurring issue, and De Bruyne’s remarks underscored his concerns over players not adhering to their responsibilities on the pitch.
Belgium’s head coach Domenico Tedesco, who took over the national team earlier this year, showed understanding of his captain’s emotional response. “He is our captain and has a huge winning mentality, so he can also react emotionally,” Tedesco remarked, emphasizing De Bruyne’s passion for the game and desire to win.
The match itself started promisingly for Belgium, with the Red Devils making a lively start against their French opponents. However, France, bouncing back from a recent defeat to Italy, soon took control and outclassed Belgium with their superior play. Goals from French forwards sealed a comfortable victory for the hosts, leaving Belgium with more questions than answers.
This defeat raises concerns about Belgium’s ability to compete at the highest level as the squad continues to evolve. With De Bruyne now in the latter stages of his career, and other senior players also aging, the team faces a significant challenge in maintaining its competitive edge in international tournaments.
De Bruyne’s remarks reflect the growing frustration within the Belgian camp as they struggle to rebuild a team capable of competing with Europe’s elite. The golden generation that once promised so much has yet to deliver a major international trophy, and with each passing tournament, the window of opportunity narrows.
As Belgium looks ahead to future competitions, De Bruyne’s leadership and candid assessments will be crucial in driving the team forward. However, as the captain himself indicated, achieving success will require a collective effort and a higher standard of performance from all players.
