Thibaut Courtois, with 102 caps for Belgium, has decided not to join the team’s trip to Estonia for the Euro 2024 qualifier. His refusal stems from feeling “offended” after being overlooked for the captaincy during Belgium’s match against Austria on Saturday.
In the absence of the injured Kevin de Bruyne, striker Romelu Lukaku was chosen to wear the armband for the 1-1 draw. Courtois, who is a vice-captain along with Lukaku, was expected to lead the team in Tallinn on Tuesday.
However, Courtois, who was left feeling “disappointed,” left the squad following the Austria match. Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco explained the situation, saying, “We had collectively agreed that Romelu would be the captain against Austria and Thibaut would assume the role against Estonia. Everyone was okay with this arrangement, but after the match, Courtois approached me and expressed his desire to go home due to feeling disappointed and offended.”
Tedesco expressed his astonishment, stating, “From the beginning, I have tried to show him the appreciation he deserves. In my opinion, he is the best goalkeeper in the world. I value him not only as a player but also as a person. I am truly shocked.”
Earlier on Monday, Courtois’ father claimed his son had withdrawn due to a knee injury. However, Tedesco, who took charge of the team in February, dismissed this assertion, saying, “I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I cannot lie. I always strive to protect my players, but in this situation, it is impossible. I tried to convince him to stay for two more days.”
Jan Vertonghen, Belgium defender, described the situation as “sad,” acknowledging the disruption it caused within the team’s dynamics.
Matz Sels, the goalkeeper for Strasbourg, will take Courtois’ place and start against Estonia.
Belgium currently occupies second place in their qualifying group, trailing behind Austria with four points. However, Belgium has a game in hand over the group leaders, who have amassed seven points.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about captaincy snub
Why did Thibaut Courtois refuse to travel for Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier?
Thibaut Courtois refused to travel for Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier because he felt offended after being overlooked for the captaincy against Austria. He left the squad after the match, expressing his disappointment.
Who was chosen as the captain in Courtois’ absence?
In the absence of Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku was selected as the captain for Belgium’s match against Austria. Courtois, who is a vice-captain, was expected to lead the team in their qualifier against Estonia.
What did the Belgium head coach say about the situation?
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco mentioned that the decision for Lukaku to be captain against Austria and Courtois against Estonia was agreed upon by the team. However, Courtois approached him after the match, expressing his disappointment and desire to go home.
Was Courtois’ absence due to a knee injury?
Courtois’ father claimed that his son had withdrawn due to a knee injury. However, the head coach dismissed this claim, stating that he couldn’t lie and wished he could say it was an injury. He mentioned trying to convince Courtois to stay for two more days.
Who will replace Courtois in the upcoming match against Estonia?
Matz Sels, the goalkeeper for Strasbourg, will take Courtois’ place and start in the match against Estonia.
How does Courtois’ refusal to travel affect the team?
Courtois’ decision to refuse to travel has disrupted the group dynamics within the team. It is considered a sad situation, as expressed by Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen. The team will have to adapt and adjust without their regular goalkeeper and vice-captain.
More about captaincy snub
- Thibaut Courtois: Belgium goalkeeper refuses to travel after being overlooked for captaincy
- Romelu Lukaku handed Belgium captaincy for Austria clash
- Belgium coach: I’m shocked Thibaut Courtois wants to leave
- Courtois’ father claims Belgium goalkeeper pulled out with a knee injury
- Belgium’s Matz Sels to start against Estonia
- Belgium second in Euro 2024 qualifying group
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