“If we find out whoever leaked this, it will be his last day in the national team.”
Thibaut Courtois has issued a warning after leaks emerged from the Belgium camp following the team’s 2-0 defeat to Morrocco.
Belgium suffered a potentially disastrous loss against the north African side, a result which leaves them facing an early exit from the World Cup.
After that defeat, L’Equipe reported that Kevin de Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Eden Hazard clashed in the dressing room.
Courtois warns Belgium teammates after leaks.
Courtois has disputed the reports, but also issued a warning to the person within the camp who has leaked information to the media.
“We said things to each other, and sometimes it feels good,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper told reporters ahead of Belgium’s decisive match against Croatia.
“I don’t think we missed it, but it’s one thing to talk to each other at the table or individually or to talk in a group, to solve everything together.
🎙| Thibaut Courtois: “If we find out whoever leaked this, it will be his last day in the national team.” #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) November 29, 2022
“The problem, it’s that what’s said in the press isn’t always the truth. Whoever leaked this? We don’t need to know that. If it gets out, it’s his last day in the national team.”
🎙| Eden Hazard: “I told Vertonghen that he’s not fast anymore. He agreed.” #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) November 29, 2022
“‘There are no problems in the team, it’s just an external attempt to create problems internally.
🚨| Courtois and De Bruyne haven't spoken in years, for private reasons. @rtlinfo #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) November 28, 2022
“Of course, after a defeat, nobody is happy, but it brings us even closer because we know that we will have to give everything on the pitch on Thursday.”
Belgium.
Belgium came into the tournament as the number two ranked team in the Fifa rankings. Roberto Martinez’s side, however, appear to be a faded force from their high point in 2018.
At the World Cup in Russia, they finished third and beat Brazil in the quarter-finals before suffering a narrow defeat to France in the semi-finals. Many of the team’s key players, however, now appear to be past their best.
Belgium must avoid defeat to Croatia on Thursday to avoid crashing out of the tournament. If Morocco beat Canada, Martinez’s team will need to beat Croatia.
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