Hazard, who says Belgium have too slow defenders.
De Bruyne, who says (in the office) that Belgium has become too old to become world champions.
And Jan Vertonghen, who denounced the lack of chances created immediately after the match.
The cracks are clearly visible in the strong fortress of friends that the Red Devils once formed as a group.
“Dissatisfaction crept into the group against Egypt. They searched and tried the rhythm and they didn’t find it,” says Vital Borkelmans, who was Marc Wilmots’ T2 in the national team.
“Then, unfortunately, there are statements in the media that make some players doubt.”
“With Vincent Kompany as captain, those statements would never have happened,” says Borkelmans.
“Kompany is the kind of captain who could have kept all those frustrations private. Now that’s not the case.”
Borkelmans knows Kompany inside out and knows how he would handle this situation with the Devils.
“If players made such statements, Kompany would certainly have responded appropriately. We (Borkelmans and Wilmots) would also have pointed out to the players in question that such statements were not possible.”
“Even if they are cynical comments, some players can cut quite deep. This is in their subconscious, which affects the game.”
Eden Hazard is not the most verbal captain. According to Borkelmans, is there anyone better suited to fill that long-term leadership position?
“Kevin De Bruyne is someone who can be a leader. He has the courage to say something and, as a midfielder, he must also be strong verbally because he has contact with the various lines.”
“Kevin has always been an example, he took us to the World Cup in Brazil and always wants to play at a high level. He would be a suitable captain.”
Only De Bruyne was never made permanent captain of Manchester City.
When Kompany resigned, the City players (they vote who will be captain) chose David Silva over De Bruyne. Fernandinho also collected more votes than the Red Devil.
Earlier this season, De Bruyne suffered another defeat in the voting, this time to Ilkay Gundogan.
No coincidence?
