Mark van Bommel launches Belgium era amid 1,000‑fan frenzy in Tubeke

While a thousand supporters cheered the arrival of Mark van Bommel at the Proximus Basecamp in Tubeke, the Belgian national team – the Rode Duivels – already faces a daunting Nations League schedule that will test the new coach’s ideas.

At 18:00 on Monday, the freshly appointed Dutch manager led his first open training session, greeted by applause from roughly 1,000 fans who had travelled to the venue. The atmosphere was electric as the coach addressed the squad and then opened the pitch for selfies and signatures.

One fan on the sidelines said, "I think he is the right man in the right place," adding that Bommel could "build a team like he did at Antwerp." Another supporter praised the Dutchman as "a true motivator who knows Belgian football inside out and has played at the highest level."

Bommel welcomed 27 of his 28 called‑up players; only Leandro Trossard was missing. Among the starters were Romelu Lukaku, Romeo Lavia, Malick Fofana, Dodi Lukebakio, Mika Godts, Zeno Debast and Diego Moreira, while goalkeepers Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt and Jari De Busser completed a separate session before the full‑team signing event.

Staff reshuffle ahead of Nations League

The Belgian FA confirmed three new faces in the backroom. Head physiotherapist David Bombeke left Club Brugge after seven years for a national role, while club doctor Thomas Tampere joined the national medical staff but will retain his duties at Brugge. Goalkeeper coach Brian Vandenbussche, a former Antwerp assistant, was added alongside Guy Martens to strengthen the keeper training group.

Bommel’s debut in competitive action comes on Friday at the Stadio Olimpico against Italy, followed three days later by a high‑profile clash with France at the King Baudouin Stadium, then fixtures against Turkey and a return leg versus France.

Broad sporting context

The event was listed among an overview that also highlighted Voetbal, Tennis, Formule, Programme, Jupiler Pro League, Challenger, Champions, Europa, Conference and Meer, reminding readers that the article sits within a wider sporting calendar.

In contrast to the fan‑filled optimism in Tubeke, the upcoming Nations League programme underscores the magnitude of the task ahead, signalling that the era under Mark van Bommel has begun with both enthusiasm and a clear set of challenges.