Kevin De Bruyne has expressed the need for Belgium to “improve in every aspect” following their decisive loss to France in the Nations League on Monday.
The Manchester City midfielder revealed he addressed his teammates during a tense half-time discussion, pointing out “what went wrong.” Belgium currently sits third in League A Group 2, tied with France on three points.
While De Bruyne admitted the team is not as strong as they were in 2018, when they reached the World Cup semi-finals, he emphasized that “certain things are unacceptable,” without providing further details.
Belgium began their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel, where De Bruyne scored twice.
However, after a promising start against France, they conceded goals to Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele, resulting in a 2-0 defeat.
De Bruyne declined to elaborate on his halftime comments in a post-match interview with Belgian broadcaster VTM.
“I cannot repeat that in the media but it has to be better in every way,” said the 33-year-old.
“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.”
De Bruyne did, however, highlight what he feels is a weakness in Belgium’s style of play.
“If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection,” he added. “It is what it is.
“It is not about transition, but about people who do not perform their tasks.”
Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco said he could see why De Bruyne was frustrated with the performance.
“He is our captain and has a huge winning mentality, so he can also react emotionally,” said Tedesco.