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Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has lashed out at his Belgium teammates after they were beaten comprehensively by France with a 2-0 scoreline. After the loss to the 2018 World Cup champions, De Bruyne slammed his team for their performance in the UEFA Nations League clash on Monday, September 9.
Belgium lie third in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League where they are paired with France, Italy, and Israel. In the first match, they beat Israel 3-1 to briefly go top of the group. However, a loss to France sent them crashing back with a goal difference of 0.
De Bruyne was visibly frustrated after the match, but maintained his composure in front of the media. Speaking to Belgian VTM television, the 33-year-old Manchester City talisman said that he let his thoughts known to the team at half-time.
"I can’t say here what went wrong. I already did that to the team at halftime. I cannot repeat that in the media but it has to be better in every way," a coy De Bruyne said.
He put an ultimatum to the team, however, saying that if each of them don't give everything, "it's over."
"If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you don’t even do that, it’s over," admitted the Belgian.
"I can accept that we’re not as good as in 2018" - Kevin De Bruyne
At the domestic level, Kevin De Bruyne has won everything with Manchester City, including a Champions League and five Premier League titles. He, however, is yet to taste international success.
Belgium came close to the promised land in 2018 when they reached the World Cup semi-final in Russia, but lost out to eventual winners, France.
De Bruyne admitted the current team is not as good as the one in Russia, but questioned his teammates' efforts.
"I can accept that we’re not as good as in 2018. I was the first to see that, but other things are unacceptable. I’m not going to say what," he said.
He also questioned the application of the tactics by the players on the field.
"We are too many at the back. If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection. It is what it is. It is not about transition, but about people who do not perform their tasks," the Manchester City midfielder admitted.
With an enticing tie against Italy coming up, Belgium can put the heartbreaking loss to France behind them.
