Jacky Mathijssen dismissed after three years as Belgium's U21 coach

The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) has ended its collaboration with U21 team coach Jacky Mathijssen after an "internal evaluation". The KBVB will now look for a replacement for the young Red Devils, the association confirmed on Tuesday.

"The KBVB thanks Jacky Mathijssen for his commitment and his part in the advancement of young talents to the A-team in recent years," the KBVB said in a statement. "The football association wishes him every success in his further career and will refrain from further comment."

After a period as U19 coach, 60-year-old Mathijssen succeeded Johan Walem as the U21 coach in March 2020. Former Red Devils coach and KBVB technical director Roberto Martinez spoke at the time of "an internal promotion for the good work he did at the U19". 

Disappointing Euros

Mathijssen led the talented young squad to the European Championships in June. They were knocked out earlier than expected after finishing last in the group stage.

The KBVB will now have to look for another replacement, just a few months after Martinez's exit. The Spaniard left after Belgium's disappointing World Cup in Qatar and was succeeded by Domenico Tedesco as national coach and Frank Vercauteren as technical director.

^{© BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY}