Tedesco leaves tactical advantage against France aside

Jérémy Doku, the talented Manchester City forward, found himself in a surprisingly defensive role during Belgium's recent Nations League match against Italy.

Known for his pace and attacking prowess, Doku's positioning puzzled fans and pundits alike, as he appeared much deeper on the field than expected. Head coach Domenico Tedesco addressed this tactical decision ahead of Belgium’s crucial game against France, explaining his intentions and reassuring everyone that Doku would not be playing in such a role again.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Tedesco was direct about his approach. "No, he won’t be playing in the wingback position," he clarified when asked about Doku’s deployment against Italy. "My plan wasn’t to position him as an upgraded right-back. I'm not completely crazy, you know." His comments were made in response to widespread criticism, as many felt that Doku's offensive potential had been stifled by this unexpected tactical choice.

Tedesco went on to explain the reasoning behind his strategy in the Italy match, saying that his goal was to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. "I wanted to be brave," he said, adding that Belgium’s aim was to have the majority of the ball. In theory, this would have allowed Doku to push higher up the field in possession and become a more dangerous attacking outlet. "In possession, Doku would be positioned much higher up the field, where he could be a real threat," Tedesco explained. However, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Italy’s well-organized defense and their ability to disrupt Belgium’s rhythm made it difficult for Tedesco’s side to execute the strategy effectively. "Sometimes things go according to plan, sometimes they don’t," Tedesco conceded, acknowledging the challenges they faced during the game.

Belgium is now in a delicate position in their Nations League group. With four points from three matches, they trail France by two points and group leaders Italy by three. The margin for error is slim, and with upcoming matches against both France and Italy, the pressure is mounting on Tedesco’s team to secure vital points. Another loss could significantly harm their chances of advancing, making the upcoming game against France especially critical.

Despite the pressure, Tedesco remains optimistic about Belgium's prospects in the competition. "I still believe in our chances in the group," he said confidently. Tedesco pointed to the quality within his squad and their ability to compete at the highest level, expressing his belief that Belgium will rise to the occasion in the coming matches. The game against France represents a major test for the team, but Tedesco views it as an opportunity to prove their mettle.

While the Nations League is important, Tedesco also has his eyes on the long-term development of the team, particularly with the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon. These matches provide an opportunity to refine tactics and iron out inconsistencies in preparation for the bigger challenges ahead. "By the start of the World Cup qualifiers in March, this team will be ready," Tedesco assured. He acknowledged that Belgium is not yet performing at their best for the full 90 minutes, but emphasized that the current experimentation is part of a larger process of growth. "We’re trying out things that are crucial for us to be fully prepared when the qualifiers start," Tedesco said, highlighting his focus on fine-tuning the team’s performance.

One of the key challenges Belgium has faced in the Nations League so far is maintaining consistency throughout matches. While they have shown flashes of their potential, particularly in their attacking play, they have struggled to sustain this level over the course of entire games. The recent draw with Austria and the loss to Italy underscored these issues, as Belgium allowed their opponents to dictate key moments. Tedesco is keen to address these lapses, believing that with time and more tactical adjustments, the team will hit its stride when it matters most.

For Tedesco, the upcoming match against France is not just about securing points but also about continuing to build the team’s cohesion and tactical identity. He is determined to correct the mistakes made in the Italy match and give Doku and his other attacking players the freedom to express themselves. Doku, in particular, is expected to play a more advanced role, utilizing his speed and creativity to unlock the French defense.

Belgium’s chances in the Nations League remain alive, but the road ahead is challenging. With Tedesco’s focus on both immediate results and long-term development, Belgium will need to strike a balance between tactical experimentation and securing the points needed to stay in contention. The match against France will be a crucial indicator of whether Tedesco’s methods are taking hold, and whether Belgium can rise to the challenge of competing against Europe’s best teams in the critical stages of the competition.