Belgian federation unimpressed with coachs criticism of Brugge bosss firing

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Dec 18 - The Belgian football federation has distanced itself from Rudi Garcias comments after the national team coach criticised the ‍firing ​of Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen ‍days before their Champions League clash against Arsenal last week.

Hayen was dismissed ​on ​December 8 after Club Brugge slipped to third in the Belgian league, some 48 hours before they hosted Arsenal ‍in a move Garcia labelled incomprehensible and unfair.

Its illogical to dismiss ​a manager who has ⁠achieved great things, who made his team play well, and who achieved results in the Champions League, Garcia said at a press conference on ​Thursday.

We need Belgian managers like him. But Im not a club president, ‌so in my case its ​a matter of solidarity as a manager. I dont like it when managers are simply replaced.

But the Belgian football federation moved swiftly to avoid any potential conflict with one of the country’s biggest clubs.

It is reiterated that such a decision ‍rests exclusively with the parties concerned and that this was ​an internal club matter, as in other similar situations,” said spokesperson ​David Steegen about the sacking.

“The federation believes ‌it is appropriate to focus on its own operations and ambitions. REUTERS