Coach stresses importance of Red Devils' next Euro 2024 qualifier

Belgium are preparing for their final Euro 2024 qualifier against Azerbaijan on Sunday at 18.00. Speaking at a press conference in Tubize on Saturday, head coach Domenico Tedesco stressed the importance of the match. "This is not a test, it's an important game," he said.

Belgium have already qualified for next summer's tournament in Germany. A win would see them leapfrog Austria, who currently sit top of Group F but have played one game more than Belgium.

Referring to Azerbaijan's track record, which includes a narrow defeat to Austria and a 3-0 win over Sweden, Tedesco expressed respect for their abilities.

He hinted at slight changes to the squad to keep it fresh. Emphasising the importance of the upcoming match, he conceded that a reshuffle similar to the one he made for Wednesday's friendly against Serbia was possible. Belgium won 1-0, with a second-minute goal from Yannick Carrasco.

Tedesco praised Jan Vertonghen, who has been in good form in recent training sessions. Despite good performances from younger players against Serbia, Tedesco said he didn't see a need for changes at the heart of his defence, praising the performances of Vertonghen and Wout Faes.

Romelu Lukaku, who was rested for the Serbia game, is expected to make a comeback. Amadou Onana, Zinho Vanheusden and Arnaud Bodart will be missing from the squad due to injury and illness.

Asked about the quality of the pitch, Tedesco said: "We will play without excuses."

 

© BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About belganewsagency.eu

Belga News Agency delivers dependable, rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media. The information covers all sectors, from politics, economics and finance to social affairs, sports and culture, not to mention entertainment and lifestyle.

Every day, our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories, dozens of online information items, plus audio and video bulletins, all in both national languages. Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language.

For public institutions, businesses and various organisations that need reliable information, Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs.

Contact

Arduinkaai 29 1000 Brussels

www.belganewsagency.eu