This is a first disturbing observation, even if other players explain that in general, there is little emphasis on tactics. A more experienced Devil defends Tedesco: “Roberto Martinez had a similar approach: they both keep it short and concise. So it's not because of that, it's because of the drop in quality. His predecessor had a formidable core, Tedesco had to get younger. You can’t blame him.”
Another completes by taking the same posture: “He can't do anything because there were a lot of injuries and part of the golden generation stopped. He just has to make do with the players available.”
Thibaut Courtois is one of these absentees. At least, as long as Tedesco is at the head of the team. Our investigation showed that no Devil thinks he was wrong when he stood his ground on this issue, but some think he underestimated the hype afterward. And this storm would have had an influence on the way he treats the remaining stars: Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
gullIt's easier to manage young people, they don't dare to oppose.
Not all equal
From now on, KDB and Big Rom are entitled to preferential treatment. For example, Lukaku was allowed to skip two rallies after consultation with Tedesco, while De Bruyne announced in October that he would not play in November. In the locker room, some regret that the two “elders” are never criticized, even when they are not beyond reproach. To which an elder responds: “But isn't that normal? They make a difference, so they get more credit. It’s simple.”
Tedesco does not want to give up despite the new defeat: “I still trust myself and I still trust my players”
Other interlocutors emphasize Tedesco's limited experience: he is not yet 40 years old and until 2017 worked exclusively with youth teams. Does he have the personality to manage big names? “This could explain why it mainly appeals to young people.we were told. “It's easier to manage them, they don't dare oppose Tedesco because they are happy to be there.”
Many also question its selection policy. We therefore no longer had any trace, for example, of Christian Benteke – although top scorer in MLS – or of Hans Vanaken, although very good in Bruges. “What was wrong with taking Vanaken instead of Norman Bassette? You have to remain a little credible.”
In 18 months of Tedesco, the counter has already reached 54 players. For comparison: Marc Wilmots saw 59 different players in 51 matches. And Roberto Martinez called up 72 players in 80 matches. Under Tedesco, only Wout Faes and Timothy Castagne were present each time.
Renewal of executives at the Red Devils? Of the nineteen new ones called by Domenico Tedesco, only two became executives
According to Tedesco, this strategy made it possible “to get a lot of information” in recent months, but the internationals contacted speak of only one big lesson: “If there are different guys all the time, it's difficult to create a cohesive group. Contacts are more volatile.”
Same internally. Several Devils note that his communication “could be better”. Others speak of“a warm man”but it is precisely this contrast that irritates: there is no uniformity. One player regularly receives a text message or a call, the other never. And they know it among themselves, obviously. Moreover, “his words have little impact” during locker room speeches, according to our witnesses.
gullIt is not correct to blame him for all sins.
A key question remains: are the Devils still supporting him, as he thinks? The truth lies in the middle. Footballers are opportunists: those who play have less need to change coaches and vice versa. But we also encountered Devils who would not be against a dismissal, despite many minutes of play. And vice versa.
It is therefore not true that Tedesco has lost all support. But it would be wrong to say that he has emerged from these last months unscathed. “There is certainly a lot of room for improvement, but it is not correct to blame him for all the sins. The context was too complex for that.”concludes a player.
*Editor's note: the federation and Domenico Tedesco's personal press officer have been contacted so that they can respond to our article officially. Both camps did not accept this proposal.
