Tedesco has one foot out of the Belgium national team

Problems within the Belgium national team dressing room have escalated to a point where Domenico Tedesco’s position as head coach is under significant threat.

Tensions have been building between the Italian manager and several key players, most notably goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose strained relationship with Tedesco has become emblematic of a fractured squad. Combined with a series of underwhelming results, the pressure on Tedesco has intensified, and there are now widespread reports that his tenure could be coming to an abrupt end sooner rather than later.

The fallout with Courtois has been particularly damaging. Earlier this year, Courtois publicly clashed with Tedesco after a disagreement over the captaincy during Belgium’s international fixtures. Courtois felt disrespected by the manager’s decision to overlook him in favor of Romelu Lukaku as captain, leading to a breakdown in communication between the pair. While Tedesco tried to downplay the issue, reports suggest that trust was irreparably damaged, causing tension not only between the coach and Courtois but also spreading unease among the rest of the squad. Courtois’ influence within the national team is considerable, given his status as one of Belgium’s most decorated and experienced players, and his fallout with Tedesco has amplified calls for change.

Belgium's recent performances on the pitch have not helped Tedesco's cause. The team has struggled to replicate the form and cohesion that defined its "Golden Generation" era, when players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, and Courtois propelled Belgium to the top of the FIFA World Rankings and a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. With several of those stars now aging or retired, Tedesco has faced the challenge of rebuilding the team with a mix of youth and experience. However, a lack of consistency in results, uninspiring performances, and questionable tactical decisions have left fans and officials questioning whether Tedesco is the right man to lead Belgium forward.

Amid this turmoil, the Belgian Football Federation is already exploring potential successors, and one name has emerged prominently: Michel Preud’homme. According to RTBF Sport, the former Benfica goalkeeper and Belgian football legend has been approached by Vincent Mannaert, the federation’s sporting director, as a serious candidate to replace Tedesco should the current manager be dismissed.

Preud’homme is a revered figure in Belgian football, both for his illustrious playing career and his achievements as a coach. Best known internationally for his standout performances as a goalkeeper during the 1994 World Cup where he won the Lev Yashin Award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper Preud’homme became an icon at clubs like Standard Liège and Benfica. After hanging up his gloves, he transitioned successfully into management, building a strong reputation for tactical acumen and team-building skills.

As a manager, Preud’homme enjoyed considerable success across several leagues. In Belgium, he led Standard Liège to their first league title in 25 years during the 2007-2008 season, a triumph that solidified his reputation as one of the country’s finest coaches. He later achieved success in the Netherlands with FC Twente, winning the KNVB Cup, and in Saudi Arabia, where he guided Al-Shabab to a league title. Preud’homme’s ability to adapt to different footballing cultures and extract the best from his squads makes him a compelling candidate for the Belgium job.

However, Preud’homme’s recent career path raises questions about his willingness to return to management. In 2020, he stepped away from coaching after a final stint at Standard Liège, citing the desire to embrace a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle. Now 65, Preud’homme has spent the past few years living in Tenerife, enjoying the tranquility of life in the Canary Islands. He has previously stated that he had no intention of returning to the demands of football management, preferring instead to focus on his personal well-being and family life.

The opportunity to manage Belgium, however, could be a unique proposition. Preud’homme’s deep connection to Belgian football, coupled with the chance to restore pride and unity within the national team, might prove too tempting to resist. The Belgian Federation reportedly believes that Preud’homme’s experience, leadership, and familiarity with the domestic football scene make him the ideal candidate to steady the ship. His reputation as a player and coach would immediately command respect from the squad, and his ability to rebuild struggling teams could be invaluable as Belgium enters a transitional period.

Belgium’s "Golden Generation" may be coming to an end, but there remains a wealth of talent within the squad, including players like Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, and Amadou Onana. A manager with Preud’homme’s experience could be instrumental in integrating this new generation of players while fostering harmony within the team. The Belgian Federation is aware of the need for a strong, authoritative figure who can rebuild relationships, inspire the squad, and restore confidence among fans.

For now, Tedesco remains in charge, but his position grows increasingly precarious with each passing day. Should results fail to improve and tensions within the squad continue to escalate, the Belgian Football Federation could act quickly to make a change. Michel Preud’homme, despite his current retirement from coaching, is being seen as a stabilizing presence who could bring both experience and a deep understanding of Belgian football to the role.

While Preud’homme has yet to publicly comment on the speculation, all eyes are now on him and the Belgian Federation as they navigate this critical moment for the national team. Whether he will be lured back to the dugout remains uncertain, but the possibility of Michel Preud’homme leading Belgium into a new era has already sparked considerable excitement and debate within the footballing world.