Garcia out as Belgium coach, Alderweireld backs Van Bommel

Garcia gone after 18 months

Rudi Garcia is out. The Belgian FA and Garcia confirmed Monday that his contract will not be renewed after 18 months in charge (1) (2) (10). He lost only twice, but the World Cup campaign left doubts. Sporza put it bluntly: "He didn't really leave a good impression at the World Cup" (14).

Garcia himself kept it classy: "After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the past 18 months" (13). He said he is ready for a new project. Kicker noted he helped initiate a generational shift, but the signals from the dressing room told a different story (6) (7).

Alderweireld wants Van Bommel

Toby Alderweireld has a name ready. "A more modern profile who has seen and experienced everything," he said on the HLN Voetbalpodcast, pushing Mark van Bommel as the ideal successor (5) (12). Van Bommel won the Belgian double with Antwerp and knows the landscape cold. Alderweireld added the feeling was right "from the first second" under Van Bommel at club level (5).

Vanhaezebrouck, Koeman on the list

Hein Vanhaezebrouck and Ronald Koeman are both available and on the shortlist (3) (4). Three Belgian coaches are also in the frame, with Vanhaezebrouck the name fans are pushing most (4). No formal talks yet, but the RBFA want to move fast after the World Cup exit.

Degryse: Mannaert got it wrong

Marc Degryse did not hold back. "I don't think Vincent Mannaert really knew who he was bringing in with Rudi Garcia," he said (8). Degryse questioned the entire appointment process, pointing to squad unrest and odd substitutions as signs the fit was never right (6) (8). The fallout from Garcia's brief reign is now landing squarely on the sporting director's desk.