When you take over a national team as manager, the last thing you want to do is face Spain in your first game.
Unfortunately for Roberto Martinez, that’s exactly what happened to him for his debut as Belgium’s new manager, and it didn’t quite go to plan.
Completely dominated and outclassed by Julian Lopetegui’s Spain, the Red Devils ended up losing 2-0 at home, with both goals scored by Manchester City’s David Silva.
The public, not exactly happy to see their team so easily outplayed, started booing their national team.
After the game, DH spoke to both Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois about the public’s reaction, and, understandably, they weren’t best pleased.
Hazard said: “It’s a new era, it’s a shame. We were expecting a bit of support, even if it’s true we didn’t have a very good game, but we can’t forget everything that we’ve done in the past, we lived some good things together.
“I hope they’ll be behind us for the next game. They’re the public, they want to see Belgium win. I understand them a bit, but it’s true it’s a shame.”
As for Courtois, he said: “Yeah, they booed, and that hurts. On the one hand, I understand them. We messed up the Euros and our first game back is very bad. On the other, people need to know that we need them, especially against big teams. On Tuesday, in Cyprus, we need to show we’re playing 100%.”
You could give Roberto Martinez the excuse that he’s only had three days with his players to try and undo everything Marc Wilmots installed previously, but Julian Lopetegui is also new to the job, and Spain seemed rather comfortable.
Of course, the Spaniards’ foundation was much stronger than whatever Wilmots was trying to do, but the real test, the one that matters, is on Tuesday against Cyprus.
If they slip up, the crowd will definitely boo again, but what about Martinez? It could be a very short lived appointment if he doesn’t turn things around quickly.
