Van Bommel defends Belgium's performance versus France, admits defeat

Despite the defeat against France, Mark van Bommel defended the performance of his Belgium, highlighting the progress shown by the team and the players’ ability to quickly assimilate the new playing principles.

Progress and Reactivity

The coach said: "I told the lads that I had nothing to reproach them for" and added: "When I see the speed with which they are assimilating our style of play, it means they are working very well".

Van Bommel then emphasized the importance of an immediate reaction to losing the ball, stating: "We must be able to fall back straight away when we lose possession and try to create a new pressing opportunity. We will try to do it against every team".

He reiterated that the playing identity must remain clear against any opponent, from San Marino to Spain: "If we don’t go pressing and just wait, sooner or later we will concede a goal. Our way of playing must be clear, whether we are facing San Marino or Spain".

The Belgian coach admitted the contrast between satisfaction and disappointment with the result, recalling: "It already happened during the World Cup. We are on the right track. On one hand I am satisfied, but on the other we lost this match".

Van Bommel’s assessment shows that, despite the defeat against France, Belgium is building a solid foundation and can look to the future with confidence.