After a turbulent 18-month term and one major tournament, the Rudi Garcia era at the Belgian Football Association has come to an end. Following an evaluation, the Belgian FA has decided not to renew its manager’s expiring contract.
Having reached the quarter-finals at the recent World Cup and, earlier, secured Belgium’s place in the top tier of the Nations League, the Frenchman had, however, already achieved all his objectives. Under his leadership, key players including Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne enjoyed a return to the Red Devils, the Belgian national men’s squad.
However, doubts surfaced, also internally, with regard to what many saw as the national coach’s old-fashioned approach. Even during the World Cup, Garcia was unable to dispel these doubts. His baffling substitutions, in particular, raised eyebrows.
This was not a healthy foundation on which to build for the long term, and so the partnership with Garcia will not be renewed.
"He guided Belgium to safety in UEFA Nations League A, secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup and reached the quarter-finals of that tournament” the Belgian FA said in a statement.
“We would like to sincerely thank Rudi Garcia and his staff for their dedication, professionalism and commitment over the past eighteen months. We wish them every success for the future."
Sports director Vincent Mannaert is now leading the search for a successor. He too thanked the Frenchman for his impact: “Rudi Garcia has undoubtedly contributed to the revival of the Red Devils. He was appointed as national team manager in a difficult sports and financial context. Thanks in part to his dedication and experience, team cohesion was restored and a fine result was achieved at the recent World Cup.”