Captaincy snub: ‘Insulted’ Courtois walks away from Belgium qualifier

Published

1 year ago

June 21, 2023

Thibaut Courtois has refused to make the trip to Tallinn for Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia on Tuesday after he was denied the honour to stand in as the team’s captain last week.

In the absence of regular skipper Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku wore the captain’s armband for a 1-1 draw with Austria last Saturday.

Coach Domenico Tedesco said the plan had been for his two vice-captains – Lukaku and Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois – to lead the side in one match each during the international break.

“After the game, Thibaut suddenly wanted to talk to me and told me he was going home because he was disappointed and felt insulted,” Tedesco told a press conference on Monday.

Tedesco noted, “In my eyes, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. I appreciate him as a goalkeeper and also as a person.

“I’m surprised and shocked that he felt offended and disappointed.

“In March, we decided that Kevin would be captain and there would be two vice-captains – Lukaku and Courtois,” he added.

Courtois, in a statement, said he was “surprised” to hear Tedesco “give a partial and subjective view of a private conversation.”

According to Courtois, “I asked him, not out of personal interest, to explain and take decisions to avoid situations we have already experienced that harmed us.

“To be captain or not isn’t a whim or a random decision. It’s up to him (Tedesco) to decide, and that’s what I tried to make him understand.”

Strasbourg ‘keeper Matz Sels will take Courtois’ place in goal for the Estonia game.

Belgian media reported that Courtois’ decision also came as a surprise to his teammates.

“It’s a sad situation,” said veteran defender Jan Vertonghen.

“I would prefer Thibaut to be there, but the group process is important. That process is now certainly disrupted, and a solution will have to be found.”

Belgium was affected by reported infighting during the World Cup last year when they crashed out in the group stage, with De Bruyne saying during the tournament the team was “too old.”

The previous captain Eden Hazard retired from international football after the debacle in Qatar, and coach Roberto Martinez left.

Belgium has four points from two games in Euro qualifying, sitting second in Group F behind Austria.

NFF Mourns Death of Heartland Coach

Published

2 weeks ago

August 24, 2024

Ezekiel Tijani

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is mourning the loss of Heartland FC coach Christian Obi, who died in a road accident on Friday.

Obi’s bus collided with a parked truck while en route to Abakaliki for a pre-season tournament.

Obi, a former U-20 goalkeeper, sustained a leg injury and was rushed to the hospital, where he later passed away. The NFF described his death as “shocking and sad”.

“We are still stunned and saddened by the report,” said NFF President Ibrahim Gusau.

Heartland FC paid tribute to their late coach, who guided them back to the top flight last season. “His name would continue to remain etched in the history of the club,” they said.

Obi was a member of Nigeria’s U-20 team that won bronze at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship. He also represented Nigeria at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

EPL: Haaland Hits Hat-Trick as Manchester City Thrash Ipswich

Published

2 weeks ago

August 24, 2024

Ezekiel Tijani

Manchester City showcased their strength with a 4-1 win over Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium.

The defending champions demonstrated the challenges of life in the Premier League for newly promoted teams.

Ipswich had a dream start with Sammie Szmodics scoring on his full debut, but Manchester City quickly responded with three goals in four minutes. Haaland equalized with a well-taken penalty, followed by goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland again.

The second half saw the return of Ilkay Gundogan, who marked his comeback with a warm reception from the crowd. Haaland completed his hat-trick with a low drive from distance, securing Manchester City’s dominant win.