Rudi Garcia Eyes Eden Hazard's Expertise to Boost Belgium's Chances

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia reveals plans to seek Eden Hazard's expertise to boost the team's chances in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

New Belgium coach Rudi Garcia is optimistic about the possibility of Thibaut Courtois returning to the national team. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has not featured for Belgium since June 2023, following a dispute with former coach Domenico Tedesco. However, with Tedesco's departure earlier this month, the door is now open for Courtois to make a comeback. Garcia expressed his admiration for Courtois, saying, “Thibaut Courtois is one of the greatest players in Belgium. We still have good goalkeepers, but Thibaut is the best goalkeeper in the world in my opinion.”

Garcia emphasized the importance of having Courtois back in the team, stating, “It would be good to be able to count on him. The signals are positive.” This positive development could be a significant boost for the Belgian national team, which has been without the services of its top goalkeeper for several months.

In addition to Courtois, Garcia is also eager to reconnect with other experienced players who have been absent from the national team. Striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne opted out of Nations League matches towards the end of 2024, and Garcia plans to meet with them to discuss their feelings towards the national side. “I will definitely travel to Madrid, Manchester, and Naples to talk to the players who can make us a top country,” Garcia said.

Garcia believes that having open and honest communication with the team's top players is crucial. “I have always believed that the biggest players are the easiest to work with. You can be transparent and honest with them,” he explained. Garcia values the experience and insight that players like Lukaku and De Bruyne can bring to the team. “They have already experienced a lot, so it can be interesting to discuss and consult with them. It is important for the balance of this group - with a lot of talent - to also have the established players involved.”

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New Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has revealed that he will be seeking the expertise of former Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard to gain valuable insights into the squad. Although Hazard will not have a formal role on the technical team, Garcia plans to tap into his knowledge and experience. “I talk to Eden Hazard a lot. He will also be a part of the adventure to the (2026) World Cup. He will help us a little,” Garcia said. Hazard's involvement is expected to be beneficial, given his familiarity with the team and his status as one of Belgium's all-time greatest players. “He can be important because he was part of the team. It can be interesting to have one of the best Belgian players of all time behind me,” Garcia added.

Belgium faces a crucial period ahead, with a two-legged promotion/relegation tie against Ukraine in March to retain their place in the top-tier Nations League A. The team will then embark on World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia, Wales, Liechtenstein, and Kazakhstan. Garcia is eager to get started and emphasized his motivation to achieve success with the team. “I am very motivated,” he said. Garcia acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We need to get results back on the rise.” Despite the challenges ahead, Garcia is optimistic about the team's prospects, citing the positive environment and ambitious spirit within the squad. “I feel this is an environment with a lot of positivity. We are ambitious and want to win every game,” he said.