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Belgium coach Tedesco praises player passion, even in arguments
🇬🇷 Greece /Sports

Belgium coach Tedesco praises player passion, even in arguments

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgium's national football coach Domenico Tedesco praised his players for showing aggression and passion, even during on-field disagreements.
  • Tedesco stated he prefers players who express themselves and fight for their beliefs rather than remaining silent.
  • He believes this newfound assertiveness is a positive development for the team, contrasting it with a perceived lack of aggression when he first took charge.

Belgium's national football coach Domenico Tedesco has lauded his players for their on-field passion, even when it manifests as disagreements between teammates. Tedesco stated he "likes" to see players who are willing to fight for their convictions, emphasizing that he wants a team with "real grit."

"My players have the right to disagree, to argue. I like it," Tedesco told La Dernière Heure. He explained that while he didn't know the specifics of the incident involving Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard, he appreciated the underlying intensity. Romelu Lukaku reportedly played a role in calming the situation, but Tedesco stressed that such displays of passion are welcome.

My players have the right to disagree, to argue. I like it.

— Domenico TedescoSpeaking about player interactions on the field.

Tedesco contrasted the current team's assertiveness with the situation when he took over 18 months ago. "When I took this job 18 months ago, I felt the Belgian team lacked aggression in challenges," he recalled. "Now, we have a team that voices its opinion. The worst is to say nothing. Otherwise, you die."

This shift towards a more vocal and passionate team dynamic is seen by Tedesco as a significant positive step. He believes that open expression, even through arguments, is healthier for team morale and performance than silent discontent. The coach's encouragement of such behavior suggests a desire to foster a more combative and engaged squad.

When I took this job 18 months ago, I felt the Belgian team lacked aggression in challenges. Now, we have a team that voices its opinion. The worst is to say nothing. Otherwise, you die.

— Domenico TedescoReflecting on the team's development and assertiveness.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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