The decision has been made: the Belgian Football Association decides to dismiss Domenico Tedesco

The inevitable has happened. The sporting committee of the Belgian Football Association has decided to say goodbye to Domenico Tedesco. Two years ago, the Italian German made a promising start as national coach, but the enthusiasm quickly turned into criticism. Tedesco had a particularly bad turn, especially during and after the European Championship.

The question was no longer whether Domenico Tedesco would be fired as national coach, but when.

So today.

On Friday, the sporting committee of the Belgian Football Association decided during a meeting to stop cooperation with the coach, who still had a contract until the 2026 World Cup.

The search for a new national coach is already underway.

After the disappointing European Championships last summer, Tedesco’s chair started to wobble for the first time. In an easy group, the Devils had difficulty qualifying for the next round, where France proved too strong. Tedesco made an insecure impression tactically and communicatively.

That tenor continued in the Nations League.

Apart from brief flare-ups – without results – against France and Italy, Tedesco was never able to reverse the negative tenor around his person. Cancellations of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne did not help him. After a painful defeat in Israel, which the national coach facilitated by a risky selection, the bottom had been reached.

The fact that Tedesco did not even comment on the draw for the World Cup preliminary round was the sign that the Belgian Football Association no longer saw any prospects for the future.

And say that the marriage between Tedesco and the Red Devils had started so promisingly two years ago. Especially with that reference victory in Germany.

The young coach scored points on and off the field through the contrasts with predecessor Roberto Martinez. Surprising selections, opportunities for youth, successful tactical interventions and nice press chats.

“A relief,” our analyst Peter Vandenbempt also thought at the time.

Tedesco also initially received praise for his approach in the much-discussed dispute with Thibaut Courtois. In retrospect, however, that incident was a poisoned gift that would haunt the Italian German for a very long time.

Tedesco ends his era with the Red Devils with 24 games under his belt: 12 wins, 6 draws and just as many defeats.

It is a painful realization that the latter will be remembered the most.