The Belgian football team changed the line-up for Tuesday’s press conference at the last minute. Arthur Theate and Yannick Carrasco are replaced behind the desk by captain Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
It was initially announced on Tuesday morning that Hazard and record international Jan Vertonghen would speak to the media, but that was also adjusted. “It is becoming a musical chair and that indicates how tense the situation is,” reports the Belgian news agency Belga. With the press moment an attempt is made to relieve the pressure that has arisen after the events of the past few days. “More and more signals indicate that there are serious tensions in the group of players.”
It has reportedly been restless in the Belgian camp for several days. Captain Hazard stated bluntly on Saturday that the defense was too slow, after which Jan Vertonghen suggested after the duel with Morocco, in which the Belgians did not score, that perhaps the attackers were too slow. Star player Kevin De Bruyne let through The Guardian note that his team is ‘too old’ to compete for the prizes.
The French sports newspaper L’Equipe came up with the story that Vertonghen and De Bruyne were nose to nose in the dressing room after the match against Morocco. Romelu Lukaku would have come between the two. Belgium, which has 3 points after two matches, will play against Croatia on Thursday.
Reaction Hazard
The Belgian captain Hazard has contradicted the rumors about tensions within the Belgian selection. “Not much happened after that match against Morocco. Many lies are told. In the meantime, a conversation has been held with all players and the technical staff and a lot has been said there. That’s what moments like this are for,” said Hazard. “We are in a more difficult situation than we are used to, but we are ready to go for it in that last game. We’re still together.
“That is also the mark of a good team. They stay even closer together when the going gets tough. However, this is one of the most difficult moments in my international career, which has already lasted fourteen years. It is now up to us to react on the field. We have to play with the urge to win.”
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