Two Leaders Step Up to Defend Rudi Garcia

Rudi Garcia took over as coach of Belgium on January 24, 2025, and while he has qualified the team for the World Cup, he faces mixed opinions. Despite recent criticisms, several players have expressed their support for Garcia. Axel Witsel praised the positive atmosphere he has created, saying, “We are on the right path. The team is bonding well, which is crucial for a major tournament. Rudi has fostered this positive environment. It’s not always the best teams in terms of gameplay that go far in tournaments, but those that are united, like Morocco in 2022.”

Thomas Meunier also defended Garcia, highlighting his experience in an interview with DH: “I understand the criticisms after a less-than-ideal match. We’ve been used to good performances for years. The new staff brings something fresh and different. The team is behind him. Rudi knows how to manage well. He isn’t just some amateur we picked up off the street; he has top-level experience.” Meunier went on to say that Garcia’s approach is a departure from Tedesco’s, adding, “Tedesco constantly wanted to reinvent football with new exercises and tactics. The new staff focuses on the basics, which need to be solid before we can build. Garcia knows how it works, and what he’s doing is very good.”