Belgian media and players join De Bruyne as team split over 'mutual distrust'
The Belgian press reported that Kevin De He joined Jan Vertonghen in provoking Bruyne after the Red Devils' 2–0 loss to Morocco.
The defeat put De Bruyne and his team on the brink of elimination from the World Cup, leaving 2018 runners-up Croatia still out of Group F and just three points.
The Manchester City midfielder was plagued by the media in his home country after a poor performance in the defeat.
"He lost the ball 27 times!" Belgian website HLN wrote in its headline, taking aim at De Bruyne.
"There must be new blood!" I chose another item. Words of former Dutch international midfielder Jan Mulder. At least they somewhat agree with the midfielder.
Le Soir did not hold back her criticism either. Player ratings...back-up striker Michy Batshuayi with his 3, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with his 3 and De Bruyne with his 4. He should lead the world No. 2 in this tournament, but has yet to make a name for himself despite regularly starting for a team widely regarded as the best in the world at club level. .
De Standardaard provided perhaps the lot's sharpest assessment and captioned it.
"Defeat against Morocco reveals mutual distrust of the Red Devils."
They added:
"Can someone shake De Bruyne up?"
They then wrote of De Bruyne:
"His demeanor shows little unity or empathy. It's a shame De Bruyne failed to do that. KDB are on the field for Manchester City every week and have good stats." But anyone who's been following his game this season will notice that he hasn't played his best for City. “De Bruyne exudes little zest for life, and his decision to talk to Canada rather than root for it is a good example.”
De Bruyne has previously said he has "no chance" of winning the World Cup because the team is "too old".
Finally, the 31-year-old, who has spoken out against manager Roberto Martinez in the past, said the young players in the team "are not on the same level as those who left after the 2018 World Cup."
Speaking to The Guardian after the Morocco game, Martinez denied the team was distracted by De Bruyne's words.
He said:
"This is the first time I've heard these comments. At the World Cup, a player has to speak to the media every day. 90% of them are positive, but the lines are out of context." Always he comes up with one or two. "We are all professionals and know how to perform. Players can express their opinions. We have been together for 6 years and comments don't help us win." It may have been a double bluff, what matters is what's going on behind the scenes. “I don’t think we enjoy or enjoy playing football. , I played as if I had something to lose."
It was a comment that teammate Jan Vertonghen, 35, did not take lightly.
"We're too old, so we're probably attacking worse. It must be now, right?" Vertonghen said. "We have a lot of quality up front, but so are Morocco and they did better today. This is very frustrating.
"There are a lot of things on my mind right now. I shouldn't say it out in the open. I don't think I created an opportunity. What did I do wrong?
De Bruyne's clear dig. There is friction in the camp and Belgium is in danger. Their golden generation's last chance is almost over. They have a chance to save the tournament when they face Croatia on Thursday.
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