Domenico Tedesco “never experienced so many injuries”, but welcomes Lukaku’s impact: “It’s about aura”
Another fascinating test awaits the Red Devils against Italy. Although during the press conference with national coach Domenico Tedesco it was mainly about the many absentees. But also about one person who is there and makes a noticeable difference: “Even when Romelu walks into the room for the video meeting, something changes.”
“To be honest, I’ve never experienced this before.”
Domenico Tedesco sighed deeply during his press moment around the Nations League match against Italy. In recent days, the national coach has seen one Red Devil after another drop out with injuries.
“Of my pre-selection with 50 players, 20 were not available. That is a lot. It has been busy in recent days.”
Due to the many absentees, Tedesco even had to steal key players from the Belgian promises, who will soon play a vitally important match against the Czech Republic.
“However, the promises are always important to us,” the national coach emphasized. “Normally we don’t want to touch them, but this is a special situation. We had a conversation about this with Gill (Swerts, ed.) and Franky (Vercauteren, ed.). For example, we chose Sambi Lokonga over Mandela Keita.”
I’m still completely open to everything.
Domenico Tedesco
Who is of course not there, but – to the frustration of some – is always a topic: Thibaut Courtois.
The CEO of the Belgian Football Association recently flew to Madrid to talk to the goalkeeper, after Courtois made it clear that he would retire from the Devils as long as Tedesco is at the helm.
“Yes, I was aware of that conversation,” said the national coach. “He has the right to do that as CEO. I am still completely open to anything. But it is clear what Thibaut has said on that subject. He is currently unavailable – and it is his right to do that.”
Who is there again is record shooter Romelu Lukaku. Has Tedesco noticed the difference in recent days now that rush hour is back in Tubize?
“Romelu is a natural leader,” the Italian began a song of praise. “Even when he walks into the room of the video meeting, something changes. It’s about aura, he shines for everyone.”
“Romelu is also important to me. Look, I spend 3 to 4 weeks planning my sessions. Then I always want some feedback on the field. Such as when the pressing is not great or the build-up. The players have to feeling comfortable on the field.”
Tedesco also stated that “Lukaku will certainly not play 90 minutes twice, because the time is too short for that.”
Will Lukaku play the two games? “Certainly not twice 90 minutes,” says Tedesco. “A lot depends on the match tomorrow.”
How is Lukaku doing? “He is a natural leader. He has an aura, he is so experienced. For me that is important. The players have to play the game and have to feel comfortable on the pitch. That is my job.”
Who plays on the left? “We lose a lot of quality on the left with Doku and Fofana. Trossard can play there, Mbangula too.”
If we play like we did against France, you will win 7 or 8 out of 10 games.
Domenico Tedesco
Tedesco has already spoken to Vincent Mannaert. “He made a good impression, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Will Matte Smets play against Italy? “You can expect that. The matches are close together, so there is a chance.”
“We have had two good training sessions. I am very happy with this team. There was creativity, focus…”
Courtois?
Tedesco was aware that Peter Willems was going to Thibaut Courtois. “He has every right to do so. I am still open to it. Everything has been said and discussed about it.”
We will not raise the white flag. I’m looking forward to the match against Italy.
Domenico Tedesco
Tedesco realizes that the shifts were not ideal for the U21. “We don’t normally do that, but we had to.”
Tedesco: “Everyone is fit”
National coach Domenico Tedesco welcomed Lucas Stassin to training. “We wanted to play 11 against 11 and Romeo Lavia was not available yet,” he explains. “But everyone who was on the training field is fit.”
Romelu is a fantastic player who has won almost everything. He brings something different to the group.
Amadou Onana
“We always try to give the maximum and get our jersey wet. We want to take Belgium as high as possible.”
Has the discourse changed after the European Championship? “We have to be realistic, but we also have to be given time. I say it: we have to be ambitious, but also given some time.”
What impression does Mbangula make? “He brings a good vibe to the group. He is calm, he can play in different positions. He has good technique, so he is an asset.”
Onana asks for “patience”
“We have to be a little more patient. Everyone always points to 2018, but that generation was not created in 2018, but in 2010. The golden generation, as you call them, has also had time.”
“We shouldn’t be compared, it’s a different era. We should be given time to make our mark.”
What does Onana think of Lukaku’s statements? “Two different generations, so two different visions. That doesn’t worry me.”
“The coach expects the same from me. Many players see me as a leader and I have to show that on the field. That will not change. I have a good relationship with the coach.”
