If he confided that he wanted to count on the executives of the Red Devils to supervise the young people, Rudi Garcia also expressed his surprise at their various absences during the last matches.
Rudi Garcia therefore spoke for the first time in his brand new costume as coach of the Red Devils. Unsurprisingly, the French coach expressed his motivation, declaring that the team had great potential, but he also spoke about the executives of the national team.
During the last meetings for the League of Nations, we remember the absences of captain Kevin De Bruyne, who decided to skip the last two meetings, but also of Romelu Lukaku, who made a brief and timid return for face Italy before leaving the group for the trip to Hungary and the match against Israel. De Cuyper, Onana, Theate and Lavia also withdrew, while Tielemans, Doku, De Ketelaere, Seys and Fofana did not join the group at all. Some of them, however, played again in the next match with a club.
“I don’t want the players to come in backwards, as seemed to me to be the case, particularly in the last few matches. When I look at the score sheet against Israel, I don’t find it normal that so many important players and players in general were missing from the list“, underlined Rudi Garcia this Friday before continuing.
“We have to be proud to wear this jersey, even though there are players who have won the Champions League, who have done incredible things at club because they are huge players, I want them to come with motivation. You have to be able to even come to the selection on foot, because it’s representing your country and it’s so beautiful. We need all the strengths of Belgium, supporters and former players“.
Enough to send a first message to the players.
-Communication with clubs
Kevin De Bruyne has been struggling with his body since his latest injury and only seems to be getting back into rhythm with Manchester City. The Belgian complains about the calendars, which are too busy for his taste, and could therefore see with one eye the method that Rudi Garcia intends to use to collaborate with the clubs. “I was on the other side of the fence, as a club coach, and I liked that the staff of the national team of one of my players was in contact with my staff“, explained the new coach. “Because I liked knowing what they were doing in the selection. If we win 3-0, we don’t have to play 90 minutes to a player who has already played a lot for his club. These are things where I will try to have an exchange with certain coaches. Try to do things smartly“.
The 60-year-old Frenchman also plans to put his stamp on this team and “restore its image”. “What needs to be changed? I don’t know but I’m going to do it in Rudi Garcia style. I will try to convince my players that to influence the match, to be an actor, to make sure to rely on our strengths, and not to adapt to the opponent, whoever they may be. Make players aware that they must have confidence in themselves and in their partners. We were one of the best nations in the world not long ago, and we can become one again. I’m sure of it. It requires a lot of trust, seriousness, work and listening“.
“Great players are the easiest to manage“, pointed out Rudi Garcia. “Some are relays for the coach. These are players who have experience. I always found it interesting to chat with them. I want to present my playing philosophy to them and if these players buy in, it is important for the balance and management of the group. I plan to discuss and exchange with them to create a high-quality team with their support. There is a lot of talent but the veterans have a role to play. We have clear objectives and we will only achieve them with everyone’s support. The coach cannot wet the jersey but the players are capable of it. For me, it will be important because we can do great things with this state of mind.”
Red Devils Rudi Garcia De Bruyne Lukaku
