Courtois back with Belgium: “The captain’s armband is not important to me” | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois reflected on his absence from the Belgian national team this week. Speaking in his first press conference in almost two years, the goalkeeper addressed misunderstandings that he believes have been spread by the media.

Before his moment with the press, Courtois was involved in an internal meeting. In this, the 32-year-old goalkeeper apologized to players, staff and fans.

“The group has accepted Thibaut’s decision and he has made his point about his departure clear. Now we want to move forward,” said teammate Youri Tielemans, who was also at the press conference.

“I was able to explain all the wrong information or half information. They were also able to ask questions. That way I could better understand why some players were disappointed. Everything has been said, so I’m only looking to the future,” Courtois said about that internal conversation.

Although apologetic, Courtois was quick to criticise the Belgian media, which in his view helped spread misunderstandings. “The biggest problem is – and some of you keep harping on about it – the captaincy. It was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. The captain’s armband is not important to me. I have always been a leader on the field, even without an armband.”

‘Relationship breakdown with coach’

It was an open secret that Courtois didn’t quite click with national coach Domenico Tedesco, who was fired in January. During a conversation with then technical director Frank Vercauteren (who has also left since) and Tedesco, Courtois felt ‘a reaction that meant there was no way back for me’.

“The association could have done better at the time, but a lot of time has passed,” said the goalkeeper. “You can regret certain reactions afterwards, but when there is a relationship breakdown with a coach, it becomes very difficult. We must always support each other.”

With the arrival of Rudi Garcia as national coach, Courtois has made himself available for Belgium again. He played his last international match in June 2023, a European Championship qualifier against Austria.

Koen Casteels frustrated with national team set-up

While Courtois’ return has seen a positive shift in one regard, it left Koen Casteels a little frustrated with the Red Devils. “I find it especially strange that Courtois can decide for himself to return. The football association suddenly turns a hundred and eighty degrees and rolls out the red carpet for him’, said the goalkeeper of Al-Qadsiah FC from Saudi Arabia in the podcast MidMid.

“He is welcomed back with open arms, while the situation is still the same. I don’t blame Thibaut so much, but the football association. This does not fit in with the standards and values ​​of a team sport or a sporting organization.” Casteels played with Belgium at the European Championship last summer and made twenty appearances for the national team.

With Courtois between the sticks, Belgium will try to secure their place in the top division of the Nations League in a two-legged match against Ukraine. Those matches are scheduled for Thursday and Sunday, both at 20:45.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield