When Kevin De Bruyne speaks, the Belgians listen. The captain of the Red Devils spoke to the press the day before the Nations League match against Israel. On the one hand, he looked back on the disappointing European Championship and was honest about the doubts in his head afterwards, but on the other hand, he seems ready to start his (last?) campaign. “I feel very good physically and mentally,” he said relaxed.
For the first time since the European Championship, national coach Domenico Tedesco and captain Kevin De Bruyne spoke to the press together ahead of the Nations League match against Israel.
It immediately became clear that neither wanted to look back too much. De Bruyne in particular focused on a new chapter.
“Look, there’s no point in looking back too much,” he said. “Of course there was disappointment that we didn’t win, but now we have to move forward.”
In an interview today, De Bruyne admitted that he has thought about retiring as an international for a while, but the prospect of the World Cup still makes his eyes sparkle. “And then it wouldn’t be fair to the team to press the pause button for a moment,” he told RTL.
A statement? I don’t feel like we have to do that.
Kevin De Bruyne
During the press conference he stressed that he is ready for what could be his last campaign as Red Devil.
“I feel really good physically and mentally right now,” he said. “I’m also very happy with how my season has started.”
And so the national team’s pivotal figure is allowed to take his team in tow again. Does it start with a statement against Israel, to immediately reconcile with the fans and the past?
“A statement? I don’t feel like we have to do that,” De Bruyne responded matter-of-factly. “We just want to show our best football again.”
Still, the selection has changed a lot compared to a few months ago. “But I adapt to the guys who are here. I understand that the coach wanted to see some new names.”
“I also understand that Romelu (Lukaku, ed.) wants some rest after his transfer to Napoli, but he will definitely come back.”
De Bruyne passes the microphone to Domenico Tedesco.
De Bruyne was not nominated for the Ballon d’Or and was asked about it at the press conference.
“Oh, my mood doesn’t stand or fall with it. I still really enjoy playing football. And that remains the most important thing. I was also injured for half a season last season, you know.”
At the moment I feel physically and mentally very good. I am also happy with this start of the season, especially after my injury last year.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne remains one of the only experienced players in the rejuvenated selection for this two-match series.
“The coach wanted to see some different guys and I understand that. I will always adapt to the guys who are there. With Romelu Lukaku it is also understandable that he wants some rest now after his transfer to Napoli. I understand that, but he will definitely come back. As always, we want to play the best possible football with this group.”
Now I feel good. The season also had a good start for me. That’s why I chose to be here. Only when I feel that I’m too tired, I’ll talk to the national coach.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne also briefly looks back on the European Championship.
“But there’s really no point in looking back too much. The disappointment lasted a few days, but you shouldn’t dwell on it too much. Of course it wasn’t good that we didn’t win, but we don’t feel like we have to make a statement. We just want to win.”
It’s not nice that we’re not playing at home. I’d rather play in front of our supporters in Belgium, of course. But we shouldn’t worry too much about it.
Kevin De Bruyne
We have seen a lot of images of Israel. They are a new team for us, have offensive and defensive qualities, and have also been playing well lately.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne in Tedesco
There’s Kevin De Bruyne. The captain of the Red Devils is ready to address everyone. National coach Domeinco Tedesco is also present.
Due to a delay at the airport this afternoon, the press conference will also be delayed. No Kevin De Bruyne to be seen in the press room for the time being. 19:15 is the new target time.
Captain KDB
On Friday, the Red Devils will leave the European Championship behind them for good. The national team will turn the page with the Nations League match against Israel. Today (from 7 p.m.) Kevin De Bruyne will address the press. Follow his press conference on this page with text updates.
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