KEVIN DE BRUYNE, Eden Hazard and Jan Vertonghen had to be separated as tensions boiled over in the Belgium dressing room, according to reports.
Pressure appears to be building in Red Devils’ camp after a shock World Cup defeat to Morocco but Hazard has denied reports of a confrontation.
One of the player’s wives admitted the atmosphere was “really awkward” when the team held a barbecue after the alleged bust-up
RTL report that the team is divided and “on the verge of implosion.”
Three of the players reportedly had a heated confrontation in the dressing room at the Al Thumama stadium.
It is alleged that Manchester City star De Bruyne, former Chelsea ace Hazard and ex-Tottenham defender Vertonghen had to be separated in the altercation.
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The Belgian FA have been contacted for comment.
Eden Hazard has downplayed tensions in the Belgium camp.
He told reporters: “We had a good talk among the players. A lot has been said. We talked for an hour about good things and less good things. Now we want to win against Croatia. We now have two days to prepare. We have to be ready.
“Nothing happened in the dressing room. Only the coach (Roberto Martinez) spoke. I spoke to Kevin De Bruyne, he does believe in the group.”
RTL claim that a crisis meeting had to be held but the atmosphere in the dressing room remains “not good”.
They add that some players are not talking to each other and say that the atmosphere among the squad is at its “lowest.”
Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs has also revealed how it was at the team BBQ following the reported clash between players.
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She told the MIDMID MONDIAL podcast: “That was really awkward. The players were logically still very disappointed.”
But she added: “But I thought it was strange to read that there are tensions within the group.
“The next morning everyone said hello to each other with a kiss. They do all that. So I think they are all super sweet to each other.”
The disharmony poses a significant problem for Roberto Martinez, who has been in charge of Belgium since 2016.
He has yet to lead the country to victory despite claims this is nation’s “golden generation”.
Some fans fear the squad’s time has come and went, an idea incredibly aired by De Bruyne who said in an interview that Belgium had “no chance” of winning the World Cup as they were “too old”.
Vertonghen then appeared to take a swipe at the midfielder after the loss to Morocco as he said: “I don’t think we created any chances. Where did it go wrong?
“We probably also attack badly because we are too old, that must be it now, surely?”
Belgium struggled to threaten the Moroccans and fell to a shock loss after goals from Wolves’ Romain Saiss and Zakaria Aboukhlal.
Their opening performance against Canada was equally unconvincing with the North American side spurning chance after the chance in the first-half that included Alphonso Davies missing a penalty.
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Michy Batshuayi’s goal ended up being enough for three points.
Belgium need to beat Croatia in their final group game to guarantee a place in the knock-out stages.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
