Van Bommel steps up Belgium groundwork with Lukaku visit in Turkey
The new Belgium coach reportedly travelled to speak with Romelu Lukaku and is also planning talks with Thibaut Courtois.
UnconfirmedThis report is based on Dutch media speculation and has not been confirmed by the clubs or players involved.
Van Bommel is moving quickly to establish contact with Belgium’s leading players ahead of his first match as national-team coach. According to reporting relayed by VI, his latest trip took him to Turkey for a personal conversation with Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku is now under contract at Fenerbahçe and played ten minutes in the Champions League play-off against Olympique Lyon. That brief appearance offered Van Bommel little opportunity to assess the forward from the stands, but Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported that speaking directly with Lukaku was the main purpose of the journey.
The coach has also announced plans to travel to Madrid for talks with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His early schedule has included several domestic fixtures as well: Van Bommel attended RC Genk against Westerlo and SK Beveren against Anderlecht last weekend. Belgian media have highlighted his busy start as he works to become better acquainted with the squad, particularly its senior figures.
Van Bommel took charge this summer after Rudi García’s contract was not renewed following Belgium’s elimination from the World Cup. His first game in the role is scheduled for September, when Belgium will face Italy in the Nations League.
Reported first by
- IJverige Van Bommel gespot in Turkije: 'Hij wil geen seconde verliezen'— VI Europa League
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