Perhaps it is time for Kevin De Bruyne to focus on Manchester City and walk away from international football | OneFootball

There can be no doubting the contribution Kevin De Bruyne has made to his country. Across 107 caps for his country, he has established himself as one of the greatest footballers that Belgium has ever produced. But as Belgium went down 2-nil to France in the UEFA Nations League last night, it was clear that De Bruyne is becoming frustrated with his country’s performances. Perhaps now is the time for De Bruyne to walk away from international football and focus solely on his club duties.

In comments with HLN, which were relayed by Sam Lawley for the Daily Mail Kevin De Bruyne couldn’t hide his frustration with Belgium’s tactics and performance. He said: “We were six at the back. There was no connection. Not even in the second half. You’re behind, right? I wonder what you see in the match. It is not about transitions. It is about the way of playing and people who do not do their job.”

De Bruyne also expected more from his teammates. He added: “It has to be better in every way. The standard is the top. If you can’t handle the top, you’re not good enough. And then you have to give everything on the field. Even that is not done by some. I can accept that we are not that good. I am also the first to say that in the past. But other things are unacceptable. I am not going to dwell on it. I did that when I was eighteen at Racing Genk. Now I am 33 and I don’t do that anymore.”

Perhaps the time is now for Kevin De Bruyne to walk away from international football.

Kevin De Bruyne has never not been a player to not speak his mind. As a leader that is a trait that has served the Manchester City legend well across his illustrious career for both club and country. But based on his comments following Belgium’s defeat to France it does appear that De Bruyne is becoming frustrated with Belgium’s performances. He did all he could last night but his team didn’t have the quality of the French. Ultimately that was the difference between the two teams on the night.

But was more telling from De Bruyne’s post match comments was about his teammates not handling playing at the very top. De Bruyne does that weekly with Manchester City. He is an integral component of the world champions set up. The high standards that Pep Guardiola demands and the City players strive for suit Kevin De Bruyne. He is also a leader at the Etihad and helps maintains City’s high standards. If those standards aren’t met at the club rest assured De Bruyne will be one of the first to call it out. He doesn’t seem to have that support with Belgium.

Based on De Bruyne’s post game comments yesterday perhaps it is time for the Manchester City legend to call time on his international career. He has done all he can for his country. As he enters the final stages of his career it may be better for Kevin De Bruyne to focus on club football. That would obviously be best for Manchester City. But it does seem that De Bruyne is better suited to life at the Etihad rather than playing for his country who are looking like they are beginning to reset as a team.