Thibaut Courtois welcomes mark van Bommel as Belgium’s new boss but future remains unclear

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has welcomed the appointment of Mark van Bommel as the Red Devils’ new head coach, describing the Dutchman as a “top coach” while admitting that his own international future will depend on discussions with the new manager.

Van Bommel was appointed just weeks after Belgium’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final exit, a disappointing campaign that ultimately brought an end to Rudi Garcia’s tenure. The Belgian Football Association opted not to renew Garcia’s contract, paving the way for the former Netherlands international to take charge.

Courtois backs Van Bommel’s appointment

Speaking at a sponsorship event, the Real Madrid goalkeeper admitted Van Bommel’s arrival came as little surprise.

“It wasn’t really a surprise because his name had been circulating for quite a while,” Courtois said.

The 34-year-old believes Van Bommel’s impressive coaching record, particularly at Royal Antwerp, makes him the right man to lead Belgium into a new era.

“I think he proved at Antwerp that he’s a top coach. A lot of the players speak very positively about him, so I’m looking forward to getting to know him.”

Courtois also highlighted the value of Van Bommel’s elite playing career, believing it will immediately earn the respect of Belgium’s dressing room.

“The most important thing is that Van Bommel himself played at the highest level and knows what it’s like to play matches like these.

“That top-level experience is definitely a positive and it naturally earns a lot of respect from the players.”

Belgium future still undecided

Despite his positive reaction to the managerial change, Courtois stopped short of confirming he will continue representing Belgium.

Following the World Cup, the veteran goalkeeper revealed he wanted to remain part of the national team setup, but only if he were allowed to skip the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign to manage his workload.

That stance has not changed.

“After the World Cup, I definitely still want to continue, but it will depend on the conversation I have with him,” Courtois explained.

“I’d like to have some rest during the Nations League and we’ll have to try to reach an agreement on that.

“After that, I’ll decide whether I want to continue or not.”

Courtois revisits World Cup heartbreak

Courtois also reflected on Belgium’s painful World Cup exit against Spain in Los Angeles.

The goalkeeper was forced off through injury during the quarter-final, with his replacement, Senne Lammens, making the costly mistake that allowed the eventual champions to secure a 2-1 victory.

Courtois reiterated that he felt capable of continuing despite his injury.

“I just felt that I couldn’t take goal kicks anymore.

“A defender could have taken them instead. During open play, I could still have made sideways passes.”

However, he accepted the decision made by then-head coach Garcia.

“But the coach said: ‘We agreed that only players who are 100% fit will play.’ Fine, no problem.”

No bad blood with Rudi Garcia

Although Garcia faced heavy criticism throughout Belgium’s World Cup campaign, Courtois insisted there was never any personal conflict between the pair.

The Madrid goalkeeper admitted he was frustrated to miss such an important match but stressed that the team’s interests always came first.

“Of course, I was disappointed because it was against Spain and we were in a good rhythm. But the team is more important than I am.

“The decision was made and there was never any bad blood. I never wanted to speak badly about him.”

With Van Bommel now beginning a new chapter for Belgium, Courtois’ next conversation with the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan midfielder could determine whether one of the country’s greatest goalkeepers remains part of the national team’s future.