The player, in agreement with the Real Madrid staff who are known for not letting anything go with the national teams, therefore asked Didier Deschamps to skip this gathering. DD agreed, without batting an eyelid. Which is not at all the case for the media in France. One thing is certain: the credit and image of the captain of the Blues have taken a big hit.
Not far from Clairefontaine, Belgium is also affected by this phenomenon since Kevin De Bruyne, also wearing the armband, Lukaku and Meunier were spared from the national team. A choice which, if not understood by the consultants, still causes much less noise among us.
Leandro Trossard, the eternal enigma among the Red Devils: “I am in one of the best periods of my career”
KDB: a divisive non-selection
Already, the situation of the three players is totally different. Let’s start with Kevin De Bruyne. The Red Devil is really hurt. Last month, he came off at half-time in the match against Inter Milan. Unlike Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola did not use his playmaker in the win over Fulham this weekend.
KDB has also missed the Citizens’ last five matches in all competitions. The medical staff several times postponed the return of the Red Devil. However, it gets closer to lawns. Guardiola has already announced that he should be able to hold his position after the break.
Whether he returns to form or not, Kevin De Bruyne will miss the November rally no matter what. Which will therefore strongly resemble the KM7 case. On the podium, Philippe Albert believes that this situation is not normal. “It’s scandalous of Tedesco to accept that he won’t come in November.” he began this Monday. “He lost power… He’s already not well, if he wants to play smart with Lukaku and De Bruyne he risks burning himself out.”
Kevin De Bruyne is very hard on his teammates: “I saw unacceptable things”
Do the players still want to come to the national team?
For Romelu Lukaku, the situation is obviously different. Everyone understood the fact that he wanted to concentrate on his club after a hectic summer. Since then, Big Rom’ has found form and is an indisputable starter for Naples. However, he once again skipped this gathering.
In Extra Time, Franck Boeckx, who is a consultant for the show, gave a clear opinion on the question. “I don’t get the impression anymore that these guys are very keen to go to the national team.”he asserted. “Before, they were a bunch of friends. They couldn’t wait to be called up. But today… I always feel like they’ll skip the national team if they can.”
Same story for Filip Joos. “Matches are the best training. He tried to draw a line, but apparently he lost his pen. I feel bad for Tedesco.”
On the French-speaking side, the problem is deeper than the simple Tedesco case. “It’s a pure legacy of Martinez who let the players do it at one point…”explained Marc Wilmots. “Normally, there are no privileges in the national team. There was an obligation to come on Monday and we decided the first day with the staff depending on the injuries. If I am a coach, I do not discuss with the clubs. I make my selection based on what I see and the players come. Point.” Let us remember, however, that Willie lost part of his locker room after a Euro which will leave many regrets to the supporters.
Domenico Tedesco reassures Kevin De Bruyne: “He wants to play the World Cup with the Red Devils”
The League of Nations, a foil?
If all the consultants seem unanimous, we are going to play Devil’s advocate here. What if all these packages were a boon for Belgium? The golden generation ended a long time ago. Shouldn’t we start building a team without our remaining stars? And isn’t the League of Nations the best way to achieve this?
Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne have demonstrated it: they want to remain loyal to the national team. But given the accumulation of matches and the lengthening calendars, football will certainly have to be rethought. Players cannot play all matches. Not participating in the Nations League does not call into question their love for the national team.
Anything new from the Devils? Tedesco is considering changing his entire defense to help… Openda
Whether for the public or the players, the competition was not completely convincing. Certainly, it offers great encounters. But wasn’t it created to replace friendly matches? For many, this competition lacks prestige. In public, Tedesco like his players cannot say it. On the other hand, they don’t think any less about it in private.
For Lukaku, De Bruyne and Meunier, the ultimate challenge lies in the USA. Not in MLS, but towards the World Cup. Domenico Tedesco also indicated this during his press conference. “De Bruyne is very motivated by the idea of being with us and continuing the adventure. He also wants to play in the World Cup.” he said.
The World Cup is the main objective, while the Nations League must serve as a laboratory to see new faces. It’s a perfect setting for Openda to finally find its feet without the imposing Big Rom’. Just like CDK or other Trossard who will have to take over from the Manchester City player. It’s also an opportunity to try a new playing system to see full-backs roaming the entire flank.
Compared to Mbappé, France has a much larger pool than ours. If the Madrilenian remains one of the best in his position, he will be replaced by a player who knows the very high level. This is not the case with us. To return to the forefront at international level, it is time to give playing time to the next generation. Currently, the plan advocated by Domenico Tedesco is running out of steam after a disappointing Euro. Perhaps it’s time to see what the Italian-German has in his stomach against his country of origin.
