The Red Devils were beaten once again by France during the last international break. Belgium’s status as a “great football country” is increasingly starting to crumble. But according to Vincent Kompany, there is no reason to panic.
After a dark period in which the national team missed one major competition after another, the situation turned around from 2008 onwards. Several young Belgian talents began to break through, both in the national championship and abroad. It quickly became clear that a “golden generation” had emerged.
This “golden generation” did not manage to win any prizes, however. But it did create a glorious period. Suddenly, the Belgians were able to rise alongside the greatest footballing nations, as evidenced by the long period spent at the top of the FIFA rankings. The Devils no longer approached tournaments as weak teams, but as favourites.
Kompany’s confidence
Over the years, however, this “golden generation” has increasingly crumbled. The failure of the World Cup in Qatar marked its definitive end.
Under the leadership of new coach Domenico Tedesco, a new chapter has opened. The team has many young players, who also have the necessary potential. So far, this generational change has not yielded much.
After the failure of the European Championship, a new disappointment followed against France. Despite this, Kompany does not think that harsh criticism is already in order.
“As a former Devil and former captain, I want to continue to support them. It’s always nice to criticize and put your finger on the wound, but that’s not what I want to do,” he added to DAZN.
Patience is required
According to the current Bayern Munich coach, there is enough talent to build on. He even named three of them. “A new generation of talent is coming through. With guys like Doku, Bakayoko, Duranville, … and so on. But in a country of 11 million people, it doesn’t happen that quickly. France, for example, has a whole reservoir and can field six teams. Here, it takes a little longer and things have to take shape. We are lucky that another talented generation can break through. But it won’t be easy.”
