Thomas Meunier and the Red Devils were very disappointed by the whistles: “Driving six hours to insult the players, I don’t understand”

The Devil, present in the stands then at the edge of the field because of his injury which deprived him of the start of the tournament, spoke at length about this event. One of the most negative in the recent history of our national team.

The Devils were very surprised by the whistles from the Belgian public, Carrasco was even harsh in his remarks: “We don’t understand our fans”

Thomas, let’s provide some context. When did the group decide not to greet the supporters?

“I first want to clarify one thing: we went to salute the stand but we turned back given the somewhat special treatment given to us by the supporters.”

Do you understand them?

“The main objective was to qualify, and we must not forget that. We did not finish last in the group. The manner, the chances, there is always something to say. Everything was not perfect but we are not playing to aim for a draw or to finish second in the group. We are playing to finish first. Our group is ambitious and enthusiastic.”

But we can’t blame them on the level of the match…

“It’s frustrating because I saw from the stands that we had to do better on the pitch. It wasn’t just any team we were facing. There are no small nations at the Euro. So yes, I would like us to win 3 or 4-0 and dot the i’s and say that playing Belgium is not a gift. But it’s not always possible.”

In summary, you partly understand the fans, but not their reaction…

“It was disproportionate. In the whistles as well as the commentary. I felt like I was experiencing the relegation of RWDM. There were obscene gestures, insults. It went too far. Especially since we qualified. Maybe not as we wanted, but that was the goal. In the locker room, we didn’t celebrate it like a 3-0 victory. We felt like we had lost. So, yes, I understand that paying for your ticket gives you rights, but I don’t understand why we have to drive six hours to insult the players. This end result doesn’t suit anyone. Unity is strength and I don’t think these tensions serve the common interest.”

Did the team’s confidence fade after that?

“It didn’t change anything. Indifference could have sowed more doubt in people’s minds. If the supporters had remained idly without reaction, for example. Our goal is in any case not to break the link. If we beat France, we will start from a blank page with our fans.”

Did you already feel the tension rising before the end of the match?

“I think it started with replacing Yuri (Tielemans). The fans started to whistle. Then they whistled Romelu (Lukaku) when he came off at the end of the match. It’s incomprehensible and disproportionate.”

Don’t you think the fans were targeting Domenico Tedesco?

“No, I think it was towards Romelu.”

Are you listening to these boos?

“It is important not to close ourselves off to external comments. The fact that a majority is not satisfied means that we must listen to them. But it must not be exaggerated. We have enough experience and a fairly complete staff to know if we played well or not.”

Do you think Kevin De Bruyne would have had the same reaction to call his team back if he had been aware of the noise it would have made?

“He has no filter so I think he did what he thought was right. He made a conscious decision. I’ve never heard a player on the team disrespect a fan so it shouldn’t be any different the other way around. Kevin’s choice is far from being a bad move.”

Can the team learn from what happened?

“Yes, it can be a boost. It is important not to remain closed to criticism.”