Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was visibly frustrated after Belgium’s 2-0 loss to France in their Nations League clash on Monday night. De Bruyne, who captains Belgium in the wake of the national team’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ retiring from international duty, didn’t hold back as he urged his teammates to step up their game.
France secured victory in Lyon with goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele, leaving De Bruyne and his team disappointed. Despite scoring a brace against Israel the previous week, De Bruyne couldn’t replicate his success and guide Belgium to back-to-back victories. The loss only added to Belgium’s frustrations after a lackluster Euro 2024 campaign.
Now one of the few remaining members of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, De Bruyne didn’t mince words in his assessment of the team’s performance. “I can’t say here what went wrong,” he told reporters after the match. “I already did that to the team at half-time. I cannot repeat that in the media, but it has to be better in every way.”
As Belgium struggles to adapt with younger players filling the gaps left by their retiring stars, De Bruyne was clear that the current standard was not good enough. “If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything,” he said. “If you don’t even do that, it’s over.”
De Bruyne also pointed to tactical issues, criticizing the lack of connection between the defense and the rest of the team: “We are too many at the back. If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection. It is not about transition, but about people who do not perform their tasks.”
Despite the loss and his blunt critique, De Bruyne reaffirmed his commitment to the Belgian national team. With 108 appearances and 30 goals for Belgium, he is not ready to step down just yet. “I want to continue with the Red Devils, and that’s why I’m here,” he said last Thursday. “The season has started well for me. It’s going to be a tough season, but if there comes a time when it becomes too much, then I’ll talk to the coach.”
However, De Bruyne has hinted in the past that he may eventually consider stepping down from international duty. Over the summer, he acknowledged the physical and mental strain of balancing club and international football. “I haven’t thought about [his international future] yet,” De Bruyne said in July. “It may not be the case, but at the moment it is not an issue for me.”
He added, “During international breaks, we get seven to 10 days off at City. That would be welcome for my family. But I don’t have 10 years left as a footballer… I’m saying it—if I keep feeling good, I’ll probably be available. I just don’t know what it’ll be like next year.”
As Belgium faces the challenge of rebuilding with younger players, De Bruyne’s leadership and ability to speak hard truths will be essential. However, the question of how long he can maintain his international commitment remains on the horizon, especially as Manchester City’s demanding season looms.
