Kevin De Bruyne has confirmed his willingness to continue playing for the Belgian national team under newly appointed head coach Mark van Bommel, though the veteran midfielder expects his responsibilities within the squad to undergo a significant shift. According to an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the playmaker acknowledged that after approximately 15 years of steering the Red Devils, the time has arrived to approach his international career from a different angle.
The transition arrives as the Royal Belgian Football Association prepares for a new cycle following the departure of former coach Rudi Garcia. Following a quarterfinal exit at the previous World Cup, the national governing body opted not to continue with Garcia due to a perceived lack of future prospects. Under the direction of CEO Vincent Mannaert, the federation turned to Van Bommel, marking his first assignment as an international manager and his first job since leaving Royal Antwerp FC.
Van Bommel takes charge of a squad facing a demanding Nations League schedule, with the team scheduled to assemble in late September for their upcoming campaign fixtures. While the managerial change was preceded by critical internal evaluations from within the player group, Van Bommel has already secured public backing from experienced core members. Alongside Thibaut Courtois, De Bruyne stepped forward to align himself with the incoming technical staff.
“I had contact with the new bondscoach and we spraken erover: als ze me nog willen, maak ik me beschikbaar om het team te helpen,” De Bruyne stated in his interview with Corriere dello Sport, emphasizing a shift from a primary leadership mandate to a supporting presence. “Maar mijn rol zal veranderen. Ik heb België al zo’n 15 jaar geleid, de tijd is gekomen om een andere bijdrage te leveren.”
Balancing Experience With Squad Regeneration
While securing the commitment of seasoned veterans provides stability, the coaching staff faces the concurrent task of injecting youthful talent into the setup. Van Bommel is expected to pursue a policy of gradual selection and systematic rejuvenation across upcoming international windows.
One of the young prospects drawing attention is 17-year-old winger Jesse Bisiwu. Following a transfer from Club Brugge to FC Barcelona, the teenage attacker has made an immediate impression in Spain. Although Bisiwu has played for the Belgian youth teams and remains eligible to represent Ghana at senior international level, he has not yet made a definitive choice regarding his long-term allegiance.
To keep promising talents engaged, Van Bommel has initiated direct communication channels. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Bisiwu received a personal message from the manager. “Mark van Bommel heeft me een berichtje gestuurd,” Bisiwu noted regarding the interaction. “De bondscoach heeft me gefeliciteerd met mijn transfer en mij gemotiveerd door te zeggen dat hij me nauwlettend in de gaten houdt. Aan mij om het nu te laten zien.”
Next Steps for the Red Devils
The immediate focus for the technical staff shifts to finalizing the squad selection ahead of the September training camp. These upcoming Nations League fixtures will offer the first official indication of how Van Bommel plans to balance the evolving contributions of veterans like De Bruyne with the integration of rising prospects.
