Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium, France, Football
Kevin De Bruyne was involved in a furious exchange with Belgium's sporting director following their crushing defeat to France.
Belgium, who endured an underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, lost 2-0 to France on Monday.
The French bounced back from their shock defeat to Italy as goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele ensured victory in Lyon.
After the final whistle, De Bruyne threatened to quit the national team after telling Franky Vercauteren: "I quit, I give up."
He was visibly frustrated during the Nations League clash and pulled no punches when assessing his side's performance after the result.
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"I can't say here what went wrong. I already did that to the team at half-time," he exclaimed.
"I cannot repeat that in the media, but it has to be better in every way.
"If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we're no longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you don't even do that, it's over."
Referencing Belgium's 2018 World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals, the 33-year-old added: "I can accept that we're not as good as in 2018.
"I was the first to see that, but other things are unacceptable. I'm not going to say what."
Asked what went wrong against France, he replied: "We are too many at the back. If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection.
"It is what it is. It is not about transition, but about people who do not perform their tasks."
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco caught wind of De Bruyne's angry post-match interview.
"He is our captain and has a huge winning mentality, so he can also react emotionally." he said.
The Manchester City star, who has 107 international caps to his name, was the only player from Belgium's 'golden generation' to start in last night's fixture as their steady decline is clearly frustrating him.
