On Monday, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne played the full 90 minutes in Belgium’s 2-0 defeat to France.
The 33-year-old wasn’t pleased with his side’s performances in their latest defeat. After the UEFA National League match, he made his feelings clear during an interview with VTM, relayed by Het Laatste Nieuws.
In fact, the Manchester City star questioned some of his teammates, without mentioning names.
“There are players who don’t perform their duties and then you get into trouble. If you’re not good enough, you have to give it your all. But even that is not done by some. Some things are unacceptable,” he said.
De Bruyne’s rant against his teammates was analysed by former Belgium internationals Marc Degryse and Toby Alderweireld. The duo were the analysts for VTM and they weren’t fully convinced the remarks should have been made in public.
The Manchester City player captained Belgium against France and De Degryse wanted his compatriot to publicly defend his teammates.
“I think he goes very far. You saw in the second half that it bothered him how the team played,” De Degryse explained.
“Kevin talks in the interview about a lack of drive and commitment. And he has a point. If there is a shortage of quality, you should at least show that you want to. But he should also understand that his teammates are at their limit.
“De Bruyne should actually be defending his colleagues. But he has done anything but that now.”
The former Tottenham Hotspur star, who is just starting his career as an analyst, also wasn’t impressed. Alderweireld is of the belief the midfielder’s words may causes further issues within the national team camp.
“It’s a difficult issue, but as captain I would always try to defend my team. Yes, there can be chatter in the locker room. But what has happened now… the other Devils will certainly find it difficult,” Alderweireld added.
“Because ultimately you have to come out of this situation as one whole. And the interview that Kevin gave makes this a bit more difficult.”
Alderweireld believes the situation inside the Belgium camp can’t be solved quickly because the players will now return to their clubs.
“You just have to try to stay close to each other. But everyone is now going their own way again. This situation will therefore continue to simmer for a while: it cannot be tackled immediately. While everyone should put their frustrations on the table. If everyone remains silent, this will not simply be resolved by next month,” he added.
