At a press conference, Domenico Tedesco also explained his point of view this Wednesday. “I know that the new CEO Peter Willems went to Madrid. He warned me. For me, everything is said in this file and it was clear what Thibaut said. But on the other hand, the CEO has every right to talk to him.”
Peter Willems hasn’t changed anything
Thibaut Courtois will therefore not return to the national team straight away. Especially since Willems recently gave his support to Tedesco after taking office. “He is without a doubt the right man in the right place.”
The new CEO is not the first to try to renew the dialogue. In 2023, technical director Frankie Vercauteren and ad-interim CEO Manu Leroy had already traveled to Madrid to try to convince Courtois to return. In vain.
Basic eleven, Courtois affair and presence of Stassin in training: Tedesco takes stock before facing Italy
For many followers, Domenico Tedesco has lost credibility in recent months. And this despite a rather promising start. The Courtois affair as well as a disappointing Euro had greatly damaged his credit. Since this summer, he has also had to face several difficult encounters in the Nations League.
Despite everything, the coach knows certain extenuating circumstances. Injuries have greatly handicapped his last selections while Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have decided to skip certain rallies. Blame it on an overloaded schedule and physical problems for one. A certain physical lack of shape and weariness for the other.
Finally, Romelu Lukaku made his return with the national team. A breath of fresh air for Domenico Tedesco who will really need the leadership qualities of the Neapolitan striker.
For his part, Courtois has missed Real Madrid’s last four games due to an adductor injury. He plans to return to action when Carlo Ancelotti’s side return to action after the international break in Leganés on November 24.
Since his departure from the Red Devils, Koen Casteels has taken the place between the cages.
