November 20 – Belgian fans have demanded the dismissal of manager Domenico Tedesco after a series of disappointing results.
On Sunday, Belgium slumped to a 1-0 defeat against lowly Israel in the Nations League, condemning Tedesco’s side to the playoffs in March which prompted protests from supporters at the headquarters of the Belgian FA (KBVB) and the Atomium with a ‘Tedesc’out’ banner.
“It was a difficult match in difficult circumstances, especially when you consider who we are missing,” said Tedesco after the Israel defeat. “If I have to be judged on matches with 21 injured players, then so be it.”
Following Belgium’s disastrous Euro 2024 campaign with an exit against France in the round of 16, public opinion has turned against Tedesco. Belgium have won just two out of their last ten matches. In September, Kevin De Bruyne openly criticised the rest of the team and key players have stayed away from the national team when it suited them.
In the playoffs, Belgium will face Austria, Greece, Ukraine or Turkey, but Tedesco may no longer be the head coach. New sporting director Vincent Mannaert, previously CEO of Club Brugge, will arrive at the Belgian FA next month and he is expected to re-evaluate Tedesco’s position.
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