The Albany Gazette - Dutchman van Bommel appointed new Belgium football coach

The 49-year-old former Dutch international succeeds Frenchman Rudi Garcia, who stepped down having guided the 'Red Devils' to the World Cup quarter-finals.

"Mark van Bommel has signed a contract that will see him lead Belgium's national team through UEFA EURO 2028," read an RBFA statement.

Van Bommel, who was an uncompromising midfielder and key member of the robust Netherlands side that lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, said it was a "great honour" to have been appointed.

"I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for their confidence in me," he said.

"Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential.

"Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best.

"Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are."

After hanging up his boots in 2013, Van Bommel has cut his teeth as coach of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Antwerp.

Van Bommel has been without a team since departing Belgian top-flight club Antwerp in June 2024, a year after having guided them to a first league title in 66 years.

Belgium, made up of a mix of the last of their ageing 'golden generation' and younger talent, improved as the World Cup went on.

They exited after being beaten 2-1 by eventual champions Spain, though they had the consolation of being the only team to breach the Spanish defence.

Local media reported differences of opinion between Garcia and several players, as well as with technical director Vincent Mannaert, who was unhappy with certain group-stage performances.

Garcia's departure, however, was met with bewilderment by many supporters on social media.

However, according to the media, Belgian football chiefs were keen to hire a younger coach than 62-year-old Garcia.

They achieved that aim with van Bommel.

"I am truly delighted that Mark van Bommel and his assistants have agreed to take on this challenge," said Mannaert.

"They are highly motivated and ambitious, and I am convinced that, with their international experience as both coaches and players, they will be perfectly placed to help our Belgian Red Devils continue to improve, achieve results and reach their full potential, both individually and as a team."

Van Bommel's first challenge will be three Nations League matches, beginning with Italy on September 25.

(P.Davis--TAG)