Domenico Tedesco responds after being dismissed from the Red Devils: “This team will be a sensation in the coming years”

The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) announced on Friday afternoon that it would end its collaboration with Domenico Tedesco as national coach of the Red Devils. “I was always a proud national coach of the Red Devils, and we have achieved great things together,” the Italian German responded in a statement from the KBVB.

The 39-year-old Tedesco was still under contract until the summer of 2026, but due to the disappointing results he will not complete that period until the end. His dismissal had been in the air for weeks. Tedesco says goodbye to the Red Devils in a statement from the KBVB.

“A great story now unfortunately comes to an end,” said the now former national coach. “I am 100 percent sure that the team will win against Ukraine and also qualify for the World Cup without any problems. This team is still at the beginning of its development and will make waves in the coming years. I wish the players, the great employees of the federation and the supporters all the best from the bottom of my heart.”

The Red Devils did not have a very good 2024, which put Tedesco under heavy pressure. After a disappointing European Championship in Germany, where the course ended unconvincingly in the eighth finals against France last summer, another disappointing Nations League campaign followed in the autumn, ending with a painful defeat against Israel (1-0). The Belgians only finished third in their group (after France and Italy) and must ensure retention in the A division this spring in a double jump-off match against Ukraine in March. Afterwards, the focus can shift to the World Cup qualifications.

Andreas Hinkel, Max Urwantschky, Vladimir Cepzanovic, Umberto Tedesco and Luke Benstead also leave the KBVB. The KBVB would like to thank Domenico Tedesco and his staff for their cooperation.

“Domenico made an excellent start as national coach, and proved that great things are also possible after the departing generation. He has integrated a number of young players into the team, which his successor can continue to build on. We would like to thank him and his team for the great collaboration, hard work and commitment, and wish them all the best for the future,” said Peter Willems, CEO of the KBVB.

VIEW ALSO. The Belgian Football Association kicks out national coach Domenico Tedesco