Mark Van Bommel, Belgium’s new Dutch coach, sets 4-3-3 tone | OneFootball

Mark Van Bommel, 49, begins his Belgium tenure aiming to break from Rudi Garcia’s approach by installing a 4-3-3 and direct play against Italy in Rome on Friday at 20:45. France follow in Brussels on Monday.

According to Le Soir, technical director Vincent Mannaert, tipped as the federation’s next chief executive, made first contact in April. The appointment represents a triumph for the Dutch-speaking lobby, and his press conferences favour minimal spin, with French receding.

The former Netherlands midfielder collected 79 caps and, like Zinédine Zidane, ended a trophy-laden career at 36 with a red card. He returned after a two-year break from the dugout following a 2023 treble at Antwerp, lifting the league, cup and super cup.

Charles De Ketelaere said the new manager had been crystal clear on core principles, a structure that suits Belgium and the Flemish public. Kevin De Bruyne characterised him as typically Dutch, very direct in communication.

Nicolas Raskin praised a modern, front-foot style with advancing pressure, adding that Van Bommel stresses explanations, with significant tactical work and video already completed.

At PSV Eindhoven he acknowledged he could be dominant and had overstepped, and he was criticised for closed training sessions before being dismissed in December 2019. He has been unafraid to challenge medical staff to move things along.

Thomas Meunier and Alexis Saelemaekers have been left out of his squad. Romelu Lukaku will not start at the Olympic Stadium, and Lille defender Nathan Ngoy is likely to begin.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”