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Ibrahimović Slams Belgium's Coach and Goalkeeper After World Cup Exit
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Ibrahimović Slams Belgium's Coach and Goalkeeper After World Cup Exit

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Zlatan Ibrahimović harshly criticized Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Senne Lammens after their World Cup quarterfinal exit.
  • Ibrahimović questioned Garcia's decision to replace Thibaut Courtois with Lammens, calling it a costly mistake.
  • He labeled Lammens as an overrated goalkeeper and criticized the coaching staff for their handling of the situation.

Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović did not hold back his criticism following Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the World Cup quarterfinals, unleashing a scathing attack on coach Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

I think the coach is responsible for this defeat. It is a decision that cost Belgium the match.

— Zlatan IbrahimovićCriticizing Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia after their World Cup exit.

Ibrahimović squarely placed the blame on the coach for the loss, specifically questioning the decision to substitute starting goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with Senne Lammens. "I think the coach is responsible for this defeat. It is a decision that cost Belgium the match," Ibrahimović stated, questioning the rationale behind choosing Lammens, who plays for Manchester United, over Mike Penders, who plays for Strasbourg. "That's not how you choose a national team goalkeeper, especially when you see what happened afterwards."

Why replace Courtois with Senne Lammens from Manchester United, while Mike Penders sits on the bench? Is the reason that Lammens plays for Manchester United, and Penders for Strasbourg? That's not how you choose a national team goalkeeper. Especially when you see what happened afterwards.

— Zlatan IbrahimovićQuestioning the goalkeeping substitution decision made by the Belgian coach.

The former striker continued his critique by publicly labeling Lammens as an overrated player. "Lammens is not a good goalkeeper for this level. He is overrated. Penders is much better, and everyone can see that," Ibrahimović asserted.

Lammens is not a good goalkeeper for this level. He is overrated. Penders is much better, and everyone can see that.

— Zlatan IbrahimovićAssessing the performance of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Expressing his strong disapproval of the team's management, Ibrahimović concluded with a fiery message directed at the Belgian staff. "They managed this situation catastrophically. It's shameful! Shame on you, coach and goalkeeper coach," he declared on Fox Sports. The comments reflect deep disappointment with Belgium's performance and the tactical decisions made during the crucial match.

They managed this situation catastrophically. It's shameful! Shame on you, coach and goalkeeper coach.

— Zlatan IbrahimovićConcluding his harsh critique of the Belgian coaching staff.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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