Van Bommel warns of long-term consequences after De Winter rejects Belgium call-up
Belgium coach Mark van Bommel says AC Milan defender Koni De Winter’s decision to decline selection could affect his international future.
Mark van Bommel has expressed his disappointment after Koni De Winter turned down a place in Belgium’s squad for the November international window. The AC Milan defender declined the invitation because of dissatisfaction with his limited role under the Dutch coach, according to NU.nl.
De Winter, 24, did not play at the World Cup or during Belgium’s previous international window. Van Bommel said the defender’s frustration went beyond being left in the stands last time, indicating that the issue had developed over a longer period.
The Belgium coach accepted that De Winter was entitled to make his decision but warned that it may shape future selection plans. “This naturally has consequences in the long term,” Van Bommel said at Friday’s press conference, as quoted by NU.nl. He would not say whether the eight-cap defender could still receive another call-up.
Van Bommel also stressed that the refusal was not an emotional reaction and denied that he and De Winter had a poor relationship. Belgium sit third in their Nations League group after four matches. They visit Turkey on 12 November before completing the group stage at home to Italy on 15 November.
Reported first by
- Van Bommel onaangenaam verrast door afmelding De Winter: 'Dit heeft gevolgen' | Voetbal | NU.nl— NU.nl Voetbal
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