Rudi Garcia refuses to smile: We’ll discuss after the tournament

Rudi Garcia faces a stark contrast: on the one hand he is laser‑focused on the quarter‑final against Spain, while on the other he is being pulled into a debate over Sporting Lissabon’s involvement with defender Zeno Debast. He warned that "We will talk after the tournament on 20 July" and will not let the distraction affect the team. Garcia was busy a day before the Belgium‑Spain quarter‑final, handling sporting matters and answering questions about Zeno Debast after Sporting Lissabon entered the defender’s case. The timing placed the issue squarely in the lead‑up to the crucial match. The Frenchman made it clear he does not want to be drawn into the discussion and expressed displeasure with the Portuguese top club’s interference. He signalled that the club’s actions are not welcomed by the Belgian staff. "Zeno can perfectly play," Garcia said, emphasizing that the physical condition of Debast poses no problem for the Rode Duivels. The statement reinforced confidence in the defender’s readiness for the upcoming clash.

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When pressed for more detail, Garcia replied, "I will not expand on that today," refusing to elaborate further on the matter. This brief response underscored his intent to keep the focus elsewhere. He added that the story is not closed and, with a knowing smile, promised, "We will discuss it after the tournament… on 20 July." The comment was directed at Sporting, indicating a future dialogue.

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Behind the scenes, the Club of the Rode Duivel is being kept out of the Belgium‑Spain tie, leaving the KBVB displeased, while the coach insists all attention should remain on the quarter‑final. The Belgian side seeks to avoid any distraction from the match. Volg Spanje – België live on Voetbalkrant.com from 21:00, and readers are urged to sign up for the Voetbalkrant newsletter. Foto: © photonews NIEUW Ontvang meldingen bij belangrijk nieuws! Schrijf je HIER in! Volg Voetbalkrant nu ook via Google!