The Belgian Football Federation announced on Friday the dismissal of Italian-German coach Domenico Tedesco, while the Red Devils are going through a period of deep crisis.
Eliminated by France in the round of 16 of the last Euro, Belgium “unfortunately did not live up to expectations, just like during the following campaign” of the League of Nations, commented the Federation, without disclosing the name of Tedesco’s successor.
The 39-year-old Italian-German was appointed in February 2023 but was unable to avoid a crisis at the Red Devils, in sporting failure and facing the gradual withdrawal of most of the executives of the so-called “golden” generation (3rd of the World-2018).
“I have always been proud to be the coach of the Red Devils, we have achieved great things together. A great adventure unfortunately ends today”reacted Tedesco, quoted in the press release from the Federation (URBSFA).
The now ex-coach said to himself “100% sure that the team will win against Ukraine (in the Nations League play-offs in March, editor’s note) and qualify for the World Cup.” “This team is only at the beginning of its development and will continue to make a splash in the years to come”added the one who had revealed himself at the head of Schalke 04, Spartak Moscow and especially at RB Leipzig.
Henry and Garcia cited
His dismissal had no longer been in doubt for several weeks, but it was still necessary to find an agreement on the severance pay of the young coach, under contract until 2026 and whose annual salary was estimated at 1.7 million euros. .
Negotiations took time due to the complicated financial situation of the Belgian Federation.
On March 20 and 23, the Belgians will play two Nations League play-off matches against Ukraine under the direction of a new coach.
-In the Belgian press, the names of Frenchmen Rudi Garcia and Thierry Henry are circulating to take control of the selection.
The latter, former assistant to Roberto Martinez at the head of the selection from 2016 to 2018 then between 2021 and 2024, has the advantage of knowing the group and also has the support of veterans like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and even Thibaut Courtois who gave up wearing the national jersey two years ago after a controversy with Tedesco, frustrated at not having been named captain.
To take charge of the Devils, however, Henry would have to give up several very profitable consulting contracts. Tuesday on RMC, the former world champion assured that he had not been contacted.
Given this financial data, it is another Frenchman who would hold the rope: Rudy Garcia. At 60 years old, the man who began his coaching career at Saint-Etienne in 2001 has been free for fourteen months and the end of his short collaboration with Naples.
With 900 matches notably at the helm of Lille (where he achieved the Cup/Championship double in 2011 with Belgian superstar Eden Hazard as headliner), Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Naples and Al-Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo , this follower of the 4-3-3 would find in the Devils material adapted to this philosophy, Belgium having many talented young players on the sides.
The Dutchman Erik ten Hag and the Spaniard Xavi were surveyed by the Belgian DTN Vincent Mannaert but they declined the offer like the Belgian Michel Preud’homme. Mannaert is expected to announce Tedesco’s successor by the end of January.
