Thibaut Courtois has returned to the Belgium national team after a tumultuous 18-month absence, following a public fallout with former coach Domenico Tedesco. In his first media appearance since rejoining the squad, Courtois spoke candidly about the rift and the subsequent reconciliation.
“We spoke with the group on Monday, and the conversation went well,” Courtois stated. “There was a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation, so I wanted to tell the other players my truth. Now everyone has been able to understand what I had in mind.”
While the tension between Courtois and Tedesco had been widely attributed to the goalkeeper’s frustration over not being handed the captain’s armband in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence, Courtois insisted the issues ran deeper.
“The issue of the captain’s armband wasn’t the central issue; reducing it to that was a mistake,” he explained. “I’m relieved to have been able to speak face to face and clear everything up. Now we can move on.”
### A Breaking Point
Courtois described the emotional toll the conflict had on him during a challenging 2023 season.
“The 2023 season was long, and this episode was the final straw. I had some physical issues, but I still wanted to play with the Red Devils. The coach didn’t come to speak to me even once. I’d never experienced anything like that before. I snapped, felt like he didn’t respect me, and I lost confidence in him.”
The lack of communication from Tedesco ultimately severed Courtois’ connection with the team. “At that moment, I knew there was no turning back. I know I don’t have the easiest character; I’m a winner, and I can’t change who I am. Sometimes we react emotionally, and things get out of hand.”
### Addressing the Fallout
“Lies have been told. When the coach claimed he had done everything possible to resolve the situation, that wasn’t true. I felt the need to respond to those falsehoods,” Courtois said. “Maybe I would have acted differently with the group and the fans. Maybe I would have called some people internally to explain how I felt. But will I still be 100% myself in the future? Yes. My goal is to perform on the pitch and show the public that I still really want to play for the national team.”
### Responding to Criticism
Courtois also addressed the departure of goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who chose to step away from the national team following Courtois’ return.
“I understand that he’s not happy about losing his No. 1 spot in the national team. He has the right to make his own decisions. He’s expressed some criticism, but I don’t think the others in the group share his opinion. If someone has something to say to me, I prefer they say it directly. That’s how I like to operate.”
### Moving Forward
Under the leadership of new coach Rudi Garcia, the focus is now on rebuilding unity within the squad. Garcia made it clear from the outset that the team would address the controversy internally before moving on.
“The issue was discussed in the locker room on the first day to clarify it, for the first and last time,” Garcia stated. “Now we turn the page.”