Van Bommel's debut under fire of European comparisons

After four matches in charge of Belgium, Mark van Bommel posts a mixed record, with two wins and two losses. The new manager thus finds himself having to compare his start to the performances of other coaches newly arrived on European benches.

Contrasting starts for the new managers

Jorge Jesus has so far been flawless, four wins in four matches with the Seleção and a direct ticket to the Nations League quarter‑finals. Zinédine Zidane, in charge of France, has accumulated ten points out of twelve, remaining unbeaten and delivering a spectacular 4‑1 victory over Belgium.

The former Barça coach has not lost with the Oranje, his side scoring abundantly even though defensive issues persist. The Netherlands have conceded at least one goal in every match, but their eight points put them level at the top of the group with Greece.

Red Devils endure fifteen minutes of hell at start of van Bommel era

Mark van Bommel's first steps

Mark van Bommel's first two matches with Belgium looked promising: a 2‑0 win in Italy followed by a 3‑0 success against Turkey. However, against France the level rose and the Red Devils suffered two setbacks, including a 4‑1 defeat in Paris.

Despite these setbacks, Van Bommel retains several reasons for satisfaction, Belgium having shown good things but needing to reproduce them against top teams. The next major challenge will come in November, when the Red Devils face Italy in a decisive match.

Mark van Bommel spots winners and five losers early in the window

Meanwhile, Germany, under Jürgen Klopp, has won only one match, its squad of 44 players not having allowed the creation of automatisms. With five points, the Mannschaft sits behind the Netherlands and Greece, and Klopp will have very little margin for error in November.