Belgium international Yannick Carrasco has criticised team-mate Thibaut Courtois for his "disappointing" reaction to not receiving the captaincy from new manager Domenico Tedesco.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois was snubbed by Tedesco when he gave Romelu Lukaku the armband for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Austria in the absence of regular skipper Kevin De Bruyne. By Monday, the ex-Chelsea shot-stopper had already left Belgium's training camp, with Tedesco suggesting that he walked out because he was angry with the decision.
In a strongly-worded statement, Courtois, 31, claimed that he ultimately left the camp due to injury, but that hasn't prevented Carrasco from making his frustration with his team-mate clear. "We are disappointed by his reaction," the Atletico Madrid winger told RBTV, as quoted by Spainish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
"In the end, he is part of the team, he is one of the three captains. An armband is just a detail. You have to show that you are a leader and a captain with your personality. He chose to leave. Whether he had [injury] problems or not, we don't know. But one of the reasons for his departure was also the armband."
Tedesco was subsequently forced to call on backup goalkeeper Matz Sels, formerly of Newcastle, for Tuesday's trip to Estonia. Before recording a 3-0 win to help put their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign back on track, the newly-appointed Belgium boss - who replaced Roberto Martinez after the World Cup - shed further light on the situation by saying: "Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia.
"That was OK for everyone but after the match he [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended. From the beginning I tried to show him the appreciation he deserves. In my eyes he is the best goalkeeper in the world. I love him as a goalkeeper, but also as a human being. I am shocked."
Have your say! Did Thibaut Courtois deserve to be named captain in the first game? Let us know in the comments section.
Courtois, who ahead of the draw at home to Austria was presented with an award for winning his 100th cap in March, then posted on Instagram after Tedesco's comments: "This afternoon I was surprised to hear the coach's press conference. I want to make it clear that it is not the first time or the last time that I talk to a coach about issues related to a locker room, but it is the first time that someone decides to tell it publicly.
"I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's assessments do not fit with reality. In that conversation I asked him, not for direct benefit, to explain and make decisions to avoid situations that in the past have harmed us while always looking for the general benefit.
"To be or not to be the national team captain is neither a whim nor a random decision, it should be his decision and that is what I tried to convey to him. "Unfortunately I did not achieve my purpose. I insist that in no case have I demanded anything and that I have spoken to my team-mate Romelu Lukaku to clarify any circumstances related to this situation.
"At the same time I want to make it clear that I did not have any discussion on any similar subject with any team-mate, as has been claimed. Furthermore, yesterday afternoon I underwent a check-up for a problem in my right knee.
"The medical team of my club and the national team were in contact and reviewed all the corresponding material to make the decision to leave the training camp."
Responding to the 31-year-old's post, Tedesco countered: "I wish I could say it's an injury but I can't lie. I always try to protect players but that's impossible in this situation. I tried to tell him to hold on for two more days."
Belgium - who remain unbeaten since the German-Italian coach succeeded Martinez - sit second in their qualifying group following their June pair of fixtures, three points behind Austria but with a game in hand. Next up for them is a double-header in September, travelling to Azerbaijan before welcoming Estonia to Brussels.
It remains to be seen as to whether Courtois will be involved.
