Belgium CT Marc Wilmots says ‘us, Italy and Portugal are outsiders at Euro 2016’ and believes ‘Marco Verratti is a big loss.’
The Belgians face the Azzurri in their first game of Group E on 13 June and are currently ranked number one in the world by FIFA.
“Before talking about being a hard or soft Coach you need to understand the peculiarities of the group you work with,” Wilmots explained to Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about his coaching style.
Belgium CT Marc Wilmots says ‘us, Italy and Portugal are outsiders at Euro 2016’ and believes ‘Marco Verratti is a big loss.’
The Belgians face the Azzurri in their first game of Group E on 13 June and are currently ranked number one in the world by FIFA.
“Before talking about being a hard or soft Coach you need to understand the peculiarities of the group you work with,” Wilmots explained to Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about his coaching style.
“I’m not a drill sergeant, but I like discipline and respect. The national team is a family, if respect is missing from one then problems increase with everyone.
“You’re together for so much time, it’s essential to have free spaces and maintain a balance.
“Verratti? I never said that he was Italy’s strongest player, but the most functional. I like how he defends, how he sets up the play.
“It’s a loss for Italy, but we also have problems with injuries and tired players. Those who play in England will arrive at the Euros shaken up.
“Antonio Conte? He’s a great Coach, who I respect. We have a difficult job…but he has an advantage over me, because he already has a club for after the Euros.
“Belgians expecting success? If others are crazy that’s not to say I’m crazy too. During this period we’ve done great work, we hadn’t qualified twice in a row on the pitch for 30 years.
“Spain, Germany and France have excellent quality and the latter are playing at home. We’re among the outsiders with Italy and Portugal.
“If we don’t have other big injuries then we can aim for the semi-finals. That would be a success, and when you get to the last four you can play to win.
“What do we lack to be a favourite? The culture of managing a tournament like this, which Germany, Spain and of course Italy all have.
“Differences with Italian football? If a player has potential, we’ll take him to the tournament and let him play, even if he’s very inexperienced. We brought Origi to the World Cup aged 18. In Italy there’s a different view."