Thibaut Courtois welcomes Van Bommel to the helm of Belgium

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois welcomed Mark van Bommel's appointment as the new head coach of the Belgian national team, replacing Rudi Garcia, while attending a sponsorship event.

Meanwhile, Courtois, 34, revealed that whether he will continue to play for the national team depends on the outcome of the upcoming negotiations.

Belgium changed coaches after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking about the new coach, Courtois said, "Van Bommel has been at the highest level and knows the experience of such big tournaments. This top-level experience naturally earns the players' respect. He proved himself a top coach at Antwerp, and I look forward to getting to know him better."

However, Courtois's future with the national team is still not entirely settled. He stated frankly that he hopes to get a break during the upcoming UEFA Nations League: "I still want to continue after the World Cup, but it depends on my conversation with him. I hope to rest during the Nations League, and if we can reach an agreement, I will decide whether to continue."

Looking back on the disappointment of being substituted due to injury in the World Cup quarter-finals and the substitute goalkeeper's mistake that led to the team's defeat and elimination by Spain, Courtois explained: "At that time, I just couldn't kick the goal kick, but I could let the defenders do it. Passing in open play was not a big problem."

"However, the head coach insisted on using only players at 100% fitness, which is fine. I was indeed disappointed at the time, but the team's interests come before personal interests, and there is no rift between us."

Image source: Internet