Belgium coach Rudi Garcia breaks silence to clarify ‘those teams’ remarks after Senegal win

Speaking after Belgium had secured a 3-2 victory against the Lions of Teranga in the Round of 32 fixture at Seattle Stadium, Garcia said: “We know these teams. At the end of the match, we knew that at 2-0, they would do everything to protect their goal.

“It’s a serious mistake. When you concede a goal at 2-1, the match changes its character.”

His comments forced Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to respond, insisting that was Garcia’s opinion.

Thiaw said: “That’s his opinion, but it’s not mine at all. Because we were well positioned. Once you win, it’s easier to talk.

“We have to accept it, watch this match, see the things that didn't work. It's certain that this competition is over.

Garcia has come out to explain his expression of “those teams”, saying his comments were misunderstood, and that he was referring to those teams that are not accustomed to protecting a lead in matches of such magnitude.

‘It was not aimed at African teams’

“When I spoke of “those teams”, I meant teams that are not used to managing a lead in this type of match at this level in the World Cup,” explained Garcia.

“It was in no way aimed at African teams. It could just as easily have referred to Asian, South American, or European teams that are not used to this kind of pressure.”

Garcia added: “Even when I was a less experienced coach, I learned the hard way that ceasing to play in order to defend a result at all costs is counterproductive.

“That’s what I meant when I said that these teams can lose their tactical structure in those moments.”

Garcia’s comments had sparked debate across Africa, with some seeing them as a generalisation targeting African teams.

Gueye defends ‘senior players’

Meanwhile, Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has dismissed claims that ‘senior players’ in the team were to blame for the team’s exit from the World Cup.

“I find it a shame. Since the start of the competition, even before there was so much talk about the senior players, about us being demonised, I don’t understand,” said a disappointed Gueye.

“The senior players are just there to ensure things run smoothly, like in all teams. If you ask any team in the world, whether it’s a club or a national team, there are always senior players. That’s how it works everywhere.”

Gueye continued: “The coach uses the senior players to convey his messages, and we circulate them throughout the group.

“We make sure that the players who are disappointed because they aren’t playing remain involved, we talk to them, tell them that they need to stick together, that we're all in this together.

“Those who are in better form, we also talk to them so they work even harder. We don’t do anything extraordinary. It’s like any other team.”

On his future with the national team, Gueye responded: “For the moment, it’s too hard to think about that. We’re coming off a defeat today. It’s difficult to answer that question.

“We just need to stop with this talk about the senior players.”

Senegal were making their fourth appearance on the global stage, having already qualified in 2002, 2018, and 2022.