March 14, (THEWILL)- Belgium’s Football Association has extended the contract of head coach Domenico Tedesco for two more years, keeping him in charge until the 2026 World Cup. The 38-year-old Italian took over from Roberto Martinez after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has remained unbeaten in his 10 games so far as Belgium boss.
Tedesco guided the Red Devils to a straightforward qualification for Euro 2024, topping their group with 20 points from a possible 24. However, he has had to deal with the absence of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois throughout his tenure due to a fallout.
The former RB Leipzig manager will be without talisman Kevin De Bruyne for this month’s friendlies against Ireland and England. The Manchester City midfielder has been left out as a precaution due to a slight groin strain.
“I spoke to the doctor and Kevin, and we decided the risk is too great. It is our responsibility to consider the player but also the player’s club,” Tedesco explained, adding: “It’s better to give him time to recover at City and then have him ready for Euro 2024. We can’t take a risk now, certainly not with Kevin.”
Belgium face Ireland in Dublin on March 23 before taking on England at Wembley three days later as preparations continue for this summer’s European Championship finals.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
