It was no longer a secret: Axel Witsel (35 years old) is indeed in the list of 25 players that Domenico Tedesco recalled for the Euro. Just like Jan Vertonghen, this will be his sixth tournament in a row. For Domenico Tedesco, there has never been a Witsel case. “Why should I have apologized? I was always honest with him.”
Tedesco would have liked to announce the news exclusively, but we revealed last Friday that the Atletico defender was finally part of the federal coach’s projects. Tedesco: “He was already in my head before the matches in March. But we had to find the right timing. And I didn’t want to go see him too early so that the news wouldn’t come out prematurely. But you are smart. (Small smile). How did you know ?”
gullIn Madrid, I wanted to look him straight in the eye. We had a good interview.”
Our coach therefore traveled to Madrid to have an interview with Axel. “First, I gave him a call. I already felt he was open to a return to the national team. When a federal coach calls you, you already know what it is. I wanted to look him straight in the eyes. We had a good interview. No, he didn’t ask for time to think.”
Witsel is not coming to be on the bench: Vertonghen is no longer so sure of his place!
We know that Axel had difficulty digesting his non-selections, after having been an indisputable holder for more than twelve years. Did Tedesco come forward with an apology? “No why ?”says our federal coach. “In March 2023, when we played our first match, his situation was completely different. Between my appointment as federal coach and our first match, he had only started once at Atletico in eight matches. And it was like middle, in ‘6’. In the meantime, he plays every match, at a very high level. And at the central defender position. I was transparent with him. If he had still played in ‘6’, he would not be in the selection.” On the other hand, it is thanks to his past in the midfield that he gained the upper hand over Toby Alderweireld. Tedesco: “It was a small advantage, yes..”
gullAxel comes to play but he would agree to be on the bench and help the young people.”
You would think that England – Belgium convinced Tedesco to go see Witsel. Tedesco: “No, since I was already planning to go in March. But it is clear that his selection is a clear message to young people who received their chance and with whom I was not happy (Editor’s note: he is mainly targeting De Winter, who played in Ireland).” And was Vertonghen’s injury an argument to take Witsel back? “No, since I went to Madrid before Jan got injured. Axel is a brilliant player. He is the outfield player who plays the most at Atletico.”
According to Tedesco, Witsel did not receive a guarantee that he would be a starter. “He comes to play. It’s a challenge for him. But even if he is on the bench, he agrees to help the young people with his experience. Vertonghen and Witsel plus Faes and young Debast, it’s a good combination in this position.” At Atletico he plays in a three-man defence, while the Devils play with four at the back under Tedesco. “With his experience, Axel can adapt to it.”
An absentee from the Red Devils selection calls out: “Leaving him at home was my most difficult choice”
And what about a Witsel – Vertonghen defensive duo? “Everything is possible. Everyone who is selected, could feature at kick-off. It all depends on the quality of the player and the form at the time.”
