Real Madrid star doubles down on REFUSAL to play after manager row

Thibaut Courtois has doubled down on his decision to refuse to play for Belgium as long as Domenico Tedesco is in charge, according to a report.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper, currently injured like so many of his teammates, is one of the last remaining faces of Belgium ‘Golden Generation’ of the 2010s, but he is no longer available to feature for his country.

Earlier this year, Courtois labelled head coach Domenico Tedesco a liar after the former Schalke and RB Leipzig boss claimed that the shot-stopper had decided not to take part in the summer’s European Championship after his ACL injury.

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“It’s good that Courtois is fit again, but he communicated very clearly. We are focusing on the players who are here,” Tedesco said. “We plan our preparation based on his statements. I tried everything to take him to the European Championship this summer, but the last thing I heard was that he didn’t feel ready to go. It was clear and honest on his part.”

Courtois responded to Tedesco’s assertions by simply posting three ‘lying face’ emojis on social media and the relationship between the two seems damaged beyond repair.

Courtois wants Tedesco gone

While the 32-year-old, given his current injury, wouldn’t have been called up to the latest Belgium camp anyway, The Athletic reports that Courtois has made himself permanently unavailable so long as Tedesco remains in charge.

The report states: “Belgian FA CEO, Peter Willems, travelled to Madrid last week to meet with Courtois to test the waters over a possible return to playing for the national team.”

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However, Courtois “reiterated he does not intend to put himself forward for selection under Tedesco.” Despite this, it may not be too long before the goalkeeper makes his triumphant return.

Kicker reports that Tedesco is under heavy scrutiny in Belgium due to ‘disappointing performances and internal strife,’ referring, in part, to the Courtois affair.

The Red Devils have only won twice under Tedesco since the start of Euro 2024, beating Romania 2-0 in Germany and Israel 3-1 in a Nations League fixture in September. Two losses to France and a draw with Italy followed the Israel result.