Captaincy Tussle: Thibaut Courtois Hits Back At Belgium Coach Tedesco

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, has responded to Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco, reaffirming injury as reason for withdrawing from the national squad.

In response to Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco’s comments, Thibaut Courtois, defended his decision to withdraw from the squad for the European Championship qualifier against Estonia, citing a knee injury.

Earlier, Tedesco claimed that Courtois refused to travel for the match because he felt “offended” after not being selected as the captain in the game against Austria. Tedesco further stated that Courtois informed him of his intention to return home following the Austria match, and dismissed speculations about a medical condition, saying in a press conference: “I wish I could say it’s an injury, but I can’t lie.”

Expressing his displeasure, Courtois has responded to Domenico Tedesco’s remarks with a statement on his page, vehemently refuting the manager’s claims.

He wrote: “This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria.

“I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly. I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach’s assessments do not fit with reality.

“I insist that in no case have I demanded anything and that I have spoken to my teammate Romelu Lukaku to clarify any circumstances relating to this situation. Furthermore yesterday afternoon I underwent a check-up for a problem in my right knee. The medical team of my club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp.”