During the international break, players tend to speak their mind about a wide range of topics and a certain Manchester City superstar did the same.
A majority of City’s players have enjoyed successful international breaks.
For instance, John Stones, Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish all started in England’s 2-0 win against Finland while the former Aston Villa attacker even played in the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory against the Republic of Ireland.
Similarly, Rodri captained a 10-man Spanish side upon his return to the pitch in their 4-1 thrashing of Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League as well.
However, Manuel Akanji skippered the Swiss side as they were dominated by Luis de la Fuente’s side while Nathan Ake was stretchered off in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw against Germany.
Another player who had a frustrating time during the international break was Kevin De Bruyne.
Kevin De Bruyne gives frustrated assessment of Belgium’s 2-0 loss to France
After Belgium suffered a 2-0 defeat to France, De Bruyne vented out his frustrations while speaking to Belgian television outlet VTM (09/09/2024, 10:25 pm).
“I can’t say here what went wrong. I already did that to the team at half-time.”
The £54.5 million man continued: “I cannot repeat that in the media but it has to be better in every way. 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.”
“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.”
The 33-year-old seemingly criticised the way Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco set his side up as well.
“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.”
Steve Nicol criticises De Bruyne comments
However, Steve Nicol was not a fan of De Bruyne airing his grievances out in public.
Nicol said via ESPN UK: “He not only said that but he started criticising the way they played and how they were setting up, I mean, that’s…when you’re a player, just play. Get on the field and do what you do.”
“And if unfortunately, there is still players around you that aren’t up to your standard, then you try and help them and you give them everything you’ve got, which is exactly what happened with Argentina. You didn’t hear [Lionel] Messi complaining how the backline are too deep and we’ve got too many defenders.”
“You can’t be saying that when you’re a player. And that for me is just the start of somebody who’s not happy and I’m with Craig [Burley] big-time, I think he’s better off, when you start, a player of his quality, of his standard in Belgium, when he starts criticising the rest of his team and basically his manager, I think it’s time to move on.”
Craig Burley claimed De Bruyne will find his Belgian side “very frustrating” as he questioned the quality in their team as a whole.
Kevin De Bruyne should consider international retirement
While the Belgian captain was angered after a tough night for his side, he must still feel honoured to represent his country.
However, with Belgium no longer having the team to compete at the international level, perhaps De Bruyne should consider retiring from his national team.
The Manchester City maestro has only a few years left at the elite level and perhaps he should spend his time trying to prolong playing amongst the best players and teams in the world.
Considering the number of lengthy injuries De Bruyne has sustained over the years as well, playing for Belgium during international breaks and major tournaments could only further cause him fatigue.
Much like Ilkay Gundogan has retired from Germany, his Sky Blues teammates should perhaps follow suit, allow his body to rest during international breaks and focus on his City side, who are well-placed to win silverware in the here and now.
