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Belgium sacks coach, a familiar name projected on the bench

2025-01-17 19:51:00, Sport CNA

Belgium have sacked coach Domenico Tedesco. After a difficult period of disappointing results, the federation has decided to part ways with the Italian coach. The decision, which had been expected for weeks, was made official after a meeting of the Belgian football association. The news came after Tedesco was absent from the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a clear signal that his position at the helm of the national team had become uncertain.

The 39-year-old, who took over from Roberto Martinez at the end of the 2022 World Cup, has made a brilliant start to his reign. The national team went unbeaten in their first 13 matches under his leadership, fuelling optimism that the team could return to competitive form. However, things began to go downhill after a high-profile row with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who refused to play for the national team due to tensions with the coach. The incident marked the beginning of a turbulent period for the Belgian team.

On the pitch, Belgium failed to live up to expectations. After being eliminated in the round of 16 of the 2024 European Championship, the team also performed poorly in the Nations League, finishing third in their group and recording just one win from six matches. A defeat to Israel in November, which sealed another disappointment in the Nations League, was the final straw that forced the Belgian federation to make the final decision to sack Tedesco.

In total, in its last 10 matches, Belgium managed only two wins, displaying a lack of consistency and a game far from the high standards the national team had achieved in the past.

Belgian media are beginning to speculate about the name of his successor and one of the most talked about options is the return of Thierry Henry, who previously served as Roberto Martinez's assistant. Henry is seen as a figure who can inspire the team and restore enthusiasm among the players. However, the federation has not yet made any official announcement about the new name that will take over the national team.