Diligent Van Bommel’s Turkey scouting trip leaves no second wasted

Belgium national team coach Mark van Bommel spent Tuesday evening in Istanbul, watching striker Romelu Lukaku in action as part of his intensive effort to catalogue the squad. Lukaku, who is under contract with Fenerbahçe, received ten minutes in the Champions League play‑off against Olympique Lyon, giving the coach a live glimpse of the Red Devils’ top scorer.

Diligent Van Bommel’s intensive scouting

Belgian media noted that Van Bommel has made a point of attending numerous club fixtures, including last weekend’s league duels between RC Genk and Westerlo and between SK Beveren and Anderlecht. observed, “Van Bommel lets no grass grow over it,” underscoring his hands‑on approach. He also declared, “The new national coach wants in his first weeks to lose no second to get to know his squad, and especially his star holders, better.”

According to , the Turkey visit was also intended for a personal conversation with Lukaku. Earlier, Van Bommel announced a trip to Madrid to speak with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, further illustrating his inventorying of key players. He assumed the role this summer, succeeding Rudi García after the latter’s contract was not renewed following Belgium’s World Cup elimination.

In September, Van Bommel will oversee his first match as Belgium’s head coach, with Italy slated as the opponent in the Nations League. The preparation underscores his determination to spare no moment in familiarising himself with the team before the upcoming international test.