Rudi García spoke about the situation of his players in a press conference that generated a lot of discussion. Recently, the Belgian press harshly criticized Kevin De Bruyne, prompting the coach to react. The situation did not please the coach, who met with the media to clarify the importance of his captain.
In the seemingly easiest of the World Cup groups, Belgium faced unexpected difficulties, but secured the top of the group after beating New Zealand. Now, the team is preparing to face Senegal in the round of 16, but the preparation has not been smooth. De Bruyne was the target of severe criticism, being called by a journalist "has been". García did not hesitate to defend his player, stating that "here at the table is only one person who made that statement. He must feel called to attention. This does not mean that the rest of the press should immediately crucify him, but... putain, you really don't understand who Kevin De Bruyne is", reported "Het Laatste Nieuws" about the conference.
García continued to praise De Bruyne, considering him a "monument in football" and warned that a player like him may never appear again. "Furthermore, the answer has already been given on the field. So, as a journalist, you must swallow those words", added the coach.
He also addressed media pressure, advising players not to be swayed. "After the game against Iran, I told my group: Don't get carried away. Don't read anything. Don't listen to anything. The problem isn't in what is said out there, but in how each one of you feels. If you're the type who lets yourself be shaken... after the World Cup, I'll tell an anecdote that will prove that the players were aware of what was being said", concluded García, with a smile.