Part of the Belgian selection for ten years, Axel Witsel was not retained by the new boss of the Red Devils, Domenico Tedesco.
There is change on the side of the Belgian selection. While Eden Hazard, Simon Mignolet and Toby Alderweireld, Domenico Tedesco, the new coach of the Red Devils, has chosen to do without several players who were regularly called up by his predecessor Roberto Martinez.
Thus, no Youri Tielemans (injured), no Leander Dendoncker and Hans Vanaken, or even Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi, to whom Lensois Loïs Openda is preferred. But the main missing “name” is that of Axel Witsel. “He’s a midfielder. This is an area of the game where we have a lot of elements. Decisions are never easy.” said Tedesco, who notably bet on the promising Romeo Lavia (Southampton).
BREAKING | Axel Witsel was not selected by Domenico Tedesco. 😳🇧🇪
The end of an era? 🔚 pic.twitter.com/NDzfEZ2Cnf
— Eleven Belgium (FR) (@ElevenBeFR) March 17, 2023
For the former Leipzig coach, Witsel’s age (34) is not a problem. ” This is not the reason for his absence. As proof, Jan Vertonghen will be present despite his 35 years. I went to see him in Madrid a few weeks ago and yesterday I rang him to tell him of my decision.assured the Belgian coach at a press conference, relays the RTBF. It was a very difficult decision. He played so many games for the national team. I would need at least an hour to describe to you all the performances where he was of enormous importance. »
Tedesco does not close the door to the Atlético de Madrid player, and hopes that he will not retire from international football. ” I hope not, my selection is only valid for these two weeks. The door is not closed and we have chosen to see several young players on this first gathering. In June everything will be reset. Its qualities are undeniable and I hope it will remain available. »
Belgium face Sweden in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and then Germany in a friendly.