Belgium coach Roberto Martinez believes VAR should’ve intervened over the Italy penalty, says Milan have ‘transformed’ Alexis Saelemaekers and comments on those Barcelona rumours.
The Nations League was a disappointment ultimately for the Red Devils, who fumbled a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 with France in the semi-final, then were beaten 2-1 by Italy for third place.
Nicolò Barella’s volley and a Domenico Berardi penalty proved decisive before the late Charles De Ketelaere counter-attack, although Belgium were unlucky to hit the woodwork three times.
“It was a defeat, but we must analyse the positive aspects of the performance,” said Martinez in his press conference at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.
“We weren’t focused enough in the two penalty areas, but overall it was a positive game. We reacted well after going behind, showing courage and character. Some young lads, like Saelemaekers and De Ketelaere, did well.”
On the penalty, Federico Chiesa was tackled by Timothy Castagne and the former Atalanta man did glance the ball, but not enough for the referee or VAR to consider this a clean challenge.
“The penalty was a debatable decision and one that frankly I do not agree with. I try to be respectful with the referee, but you need experience at a tournament of this level.
“We are very frustrated by VAR intervening against France, saying referees ought to be given responsibility for their decisions, but why didn’t the VAR intervene today when the referee needed help? The frustration grew as the game wore on.”
Italy double their lead! 🇮🇹⚽
Chiesa is brought down in the box by Castagne, and Domenico Berardi scores from the spot, but only just! 😳
Courtois got a hand to it, but couldn’t keep it out! #BEL are in real trouble now! 🇧🇪
📺 Watch live on Sky Football pic.twitter.com/fKClO9Y0Ze
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 10, 2021
Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard were out injured, with Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, but Milan winger Saelemaekers was in the starting XI.
“Saelemaekers has improved so much in recent months, he is a transformed player compared to the one we saw at Anderlecht,” continued the Belgium manager.
“He can play as a wing-back in a five-man midfield too, but his best quality is getting the ball at his feet, turning and seeing the space around him. He already showed good signs in the Under-21 side, but he really stepped up a level since joining Milan. It’s the perfect club for Alexis and he will be very important for the future of the Belgian team.”
Finally, Martinez was asked about the reports he was being lined up for the Barcelona job as soon as the Nations League was over.
“It’s difficult for me to talk about rumours, I’ve been working with this team for five years and am fully concentrated on this role. We came to the Nations League to win it and did not manage that, but now we prepare for World Cup qualifying. I have nothing more to add.”
It was a soft penalty