Thibaut Courtois denies Belgium head coach Domenico Tedesco’s claims of captaincy snub

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hit out at head coach Domenico Tedesco, denying his claims that he pulled out of the squad due to a disagreement over the captaincy.

The Real Madrid keeper reportedly withdrew from national team duty after he was snubbed from the captaincy role in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne.

Tedesco claimed that Courtois felt offended after he was informed that Romelu Lukaku would wear the captain’s armband.

The 37-year-old also added that Courtois’ departure was not due to medical reasons.

Courtois has quashed the allegations, stating that Tedesco’s comments are inaccurate and he left the Belgian camp prematurely due to a knee injury.

His statement read (h/t Sky Sports): “This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach’s press conference in which he gave a partial and subjective account of a private conversation we had after the match against Austria.

“I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly.

“I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach’s assessments do not fit with reality.

“I insist that in no case have I demanded anything and that I have spoken to my team-mate Romelu Lukaku to clarify any circumstances relating to this situation.

“Furthermore, [Sunday] afternoon I underwent a check-up for a problem in my right knee. The medical team of my club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp.”

Belgium’s World Cup campaign last year was plagued by an alleged dressing room spat, and it looks like the situation hasn’t improved.

Lukaku captained the Red Devils in the 1-1 draw against Austria and will continue to do so against Estonia.

Belgium are second in Group F of the 2024 European Championship qualifiers, three points behind Ralf Rangnick’s Austrian side.