‘Furious’ Domenico Tedesco complains about the way Belgian team was escorted by police to stadium before goalless game against Ukraine

Domenico Tedesco expressed his satisfaction with the players, highlighting that despite the challenges, they still managed to qualify.

‘Furious’ Domenico Tedesco complains about the way Belgian team was escorted by police to stadium before goalless game against Ukraine

Belgian manager Domenico Tedesco criticized the local administration for their late arrival at the stadium. (IMAGO)

Belgium national team manager Domenico Tedesco blamed the Stuttgart local administration and the city’s slow traffic from the hotel to the MHP stadium. This in turn impacted his pre-match team talk prior to his side’s goalless draw against Ukraine.

Belgium was able to secure qualification into the knockout stages of the 2024 Euros, after they played out a goalless draw against Ukraine. They progressed alongside two other teams, Romania and Slovakia, and will face the France in the round of 16. Despite looking sluggish in attack and failing to convert chances against Ukraine, their manager offered an unusual defense for their poor performance and the ineffectiveness of his tactics.

Manager Domenico Tedesco voiced his frustration with the local administration, highlighting how the team’s delayed arrival at the stadium disrupted their pre-match preparations. He mentioned that the journey from the hotel, despite having a police escort, took an hour. This was because the escorts slowed down to 20-25 kilometers per hour and stopped at every red light. He added that this left him with just two minutes for a pre-match talk and forced the team to cut short the warm-up.

We arrived at the stadium in circumstances I never saw before. It took one hour to come from the hotel with a police escort. I had two minutes to make a preparation talk and we had to reduce the warmup. It’s unbelievable.
Domenico Tedesco following Belgium vs. Ukraine (via The Guardian)

The manager went on to mention further disruptive factors that he felt impacted his team’s performance against Ukraine. He highlighted that laser pens were being shone in the players’ eyes during the matches, making it difficult for them to play.

Belgian manager Domenico Tedesco reacts to being booed by fans after match against Ukraine

Belgian manager Domenico Tedesco, responded to criticism aimed at his team following their lackluster performance against Ukraine. Despite their qualification, the Belgian players were booed and whistled by fans who expressed their disappointment after the match.

Domenico Tedesco Belgium players
Domenico Tedesco praised the Belgian players following draw against Ukraine. (via IMAGO)

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Belgian manager expressed that, despite losing the first game, the team’s comeback was commendable. He highlighted that the team overcame a challenging situation, where conceding just one goal could lead to elimination. He therefore urged the fans to keep supporting the team.

Of course we are a little bit surprised. For us, it was very important to qualify. I have no message for the fans other than that we need them.
Domenico Tedesco on Belgian fans’ reaction (via The Guardian)

The 38-year old manager’s contract with the Belgium national team runs until the end of the 2024 Euros, and it is unlikely that his contract will be extended.

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