The announcement by Van Bommel, Belgium’s new coach, about Courtois
Mark van Bommelnew coach Belgiumwill meet with Thibaut Courtoisgoalkeeper of real Madridto talk about the goalkeeper’s future in the national team, as announced by the Dutch coach himself this Friday in his presentation press conference. Van Bommelplayer of the Barcelona in 2005-06 (with the Blaugrana he won the Champions League under the orders of Frank Rijkaard with Ronaldinho as a partner), replaces Rudi Garcia.
After the 2026 World Cup, in which Belgium was eliminated in the quarterfinals against the later champion Spain (2-1), Thibaut Courtois34, announced his intention to take a sabbatical from the national team. The goalkeeper of real Madrid He wants to skip the Nations League to focus on his club before returning to the national team in 2028.
Van Bommel spoke to the media about Courtois: “I’ll talk to Thibaut without prejudging, and for now, we will not make any decision in this regard. It would be inappropriate after just one conversation. “I may have changed my mind already.”
As soon as I started in office, Van Bommel You have to face this delicate matter. “As for (Courtois) go back to training normally, we will go see you and talk. If we have something to tell you, we will tell you. But his talent as a goalkeeper is undeniable.”
The attitude of Courtois is generating considerable criticism in Belgium. Van Bommelsuccessor of Rudi Garciaa coach much loved by the fans of the ‘red devils’, considers it an “honor” to have been named coach of Belgium after the French.
The former Barcelona player Van Bommel stated: “I am very happy to take on this position. It will be different from what I experienced as a club coach. Leading Belgiuma team that is among the ten best in the world, is a challenge that suits me like a glove.”
The mission of Van Bommel will be to confirm the resurgence of a team that his predecessor had righted in 2025 after two disappointing tournaments: the 2022 World Cup (elimination in the round of 16 with Roberto Martinezwhich had led to Belgium to third place in 2018) and Euro 2024 (elimination in the round of 16 with Domenico Tedesco).
The record of Van Bommel as a coach includes a League title and a Belgian Cup in 2023 with the Antwerpa club that he left in 2024 before being left without a team until this Friday. It is mainly his playing career that has brought him fame. The former defensive midfielder, 2010 World Cup finalist with the Netherlands after losing the final 1-0 against Spainplayed at the highest level at club level in PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern and Milan.
