Thibaut Courtois already wasn’t on good terms with the Belgium national team manager.
The Chelsea goalkeeper and Marc Wilmots reportedly had a frank exchange of views following Belgium’s 2-0 defeat to Italy in their opening game of Euro 2016.
“We were outclassed on all fronts,” Courtois said following the loss. “Tactically, technically and organisationally we came up short.”
Against Wales on Friday night in Lille, Belgium once again came up short on a number of fronts, and despite possessing a galaxy of talented players, their coach’s tactical decisions appeared to once again hamper them during the 3-1 loss.
And again, Courtois didn’t hold back when asked about his manager.
“This was an opportunity we may not get again,” the 24-year-old said following the game.
When asked if Wilmots should step down from his position, Courtois said:
“I gave him my opinion in the dressing room. He has to make his own decision.”
In other words, “see you later, Wilmots.”
By the standards of media managed modern footballers, this is about as damning a statement a player could make.
Wilmots has yet to confirm whether he intends to stay on as national team manager, but in all likelihood, the decision won’t be his. He’s lucky it’s not Courtois’ choice either.
