The big news from the Belgian National Team earlier today was Thibaut Courtois’ sudden withdrawal from the camp. The goalkeeper started and played all 90 minutes against Austria at the weekєɴԀ but has left the dynamics from immediate effect.
It did not take long for rumours about Courtois’ departure to make the rounds. The most backed theory of all was that theReal Madridstar was disappointed with the internal decisions taken over the team’s captaincy.
Belgium National Team manager Domenico Tedesco spoke to the media earlier today and confirmed that the vice-captain would play no part in the game against Estonia midweek. Further, he ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ the exact ɾєɑȿօɴ for the shot-stopper’s disappointment as ɾєⱱєɑłєԀ byReuters.
“We decided together that Lukaku will captain against Austria & Courtois tomorrow. After last game, Courtois suddenly wanted to talk to me & told me that he was going home because he was disappointed & felt insulted.”
Tedesco then went on to explain how the decision was not one made on the spot but the result of elaborate discussions that took place months ago.
“I repeat it: I am surprised and shocked. We didn’t expect something like this to happen. In March we decided that De Bruyne would be captain and Lukaku and Courtois on an equal footing at the rank of vice-captain.”
The manager also went on to call theReal Madridstar the ‘best in the world’ and appeared to convey to the player that the decision was not made of any personal favouritism.
“From the beginning, I tried to show him the appreciation he deserves. In my eyes, he is the best goalkeeper in the world. I love him as a goalkeeper but also as a human being. I am shocked.”
Finally, the coach was asked to comment on whether the misunderstanding could mean the єɴԀ of Courtois’ involvement with the National Team. Tedesco dodged the question, however, and understandably did not wish to make any public ȿτɑτємєɴτs.
“It’s not the right time to say anything about that, because we have an important game tomorrow. The next games are in September and we will see then.”
There had been ɾєρօɾτs of Courtois walking out of the Belgian national team camp because of an alleged ιɴjυɾу, but Tedesco flat-out declined those claims, stating that he was not injured.
“I wish I could say it’s an ιɴjυɾу but I can’t lie,” the coach said. “I always try to protect players but that’s impossible in this situation. I tried to tell him to hold on for two more days.”
Given that the game against Austria was one with more competitive significance, it is possible theReal Madridstar felt hard done by being handed the captaincy against the easier team. After all, he is senior to Lukaku in terms of age.
The sudden turn of events is likely to mark the єɴԀ of Courtois’ season, for a return to the national team for the ongoing window is unlikely. He is expected to return to training under Carlo Ancelotti on July 20th and could evenface new competitionat the club level next season.
