De Ketelaere criticises Garcia, aims to stay number 1 under van Bommel
Charles De Ketelaere, 25‑year‑old centre‑forward playing for Atalanta, said that the tactics were less clear under Rudi Garcia and wants to confirm his role as number one for the Red Devils under the new manager Mark van Bommel, after a record summer despite PSG's refusal. He smiled at the journalists on Wednesday in Rome.
Tactics under Rudi Garcia
De Ketelaere stated that tactical clarity was lacking under Rudi Garcia's leadership. He recalled that before the World Cup, he was seen as just a peripheral player for the Red Devils, prompting journalists' scepticism. Christophe Franken, special correspondent in Rome and head of the football section, noted this comment in the Sports Football Red Devils column. His style of short answers and clichés had already been criticised by the communications department.
A record summer thanks to the World Cup
The summer peaked with the World Cup, where he established himself as a centre‑forward and scored the only goal against the Spanish champions, earning the title of the tournament’s sole scorer against Spain. He described that moment as “the best of his career”. He also highlighted the Europa League victory as another highlight, even though the triumph with Belgium remains the biggest. “Two statuses, two atmospheres,” he recalled, illustrating the difference between club and country.
When he resumed training in Italy, he admitted he was not cheered, but felt the respect of his teammates. He added that the group having spent more than a month together created a particular feeling. He emphasized that this internal recognition motivated him to aim higher with the Red Devils.
Mark van Bommel opens the doors to a historic era in Rome
Ambitions and the transfer market
Mark van Bommel said that Belgium could have become world champions, highlighting the thin current margin. De Ketelaere confirmed that the manager called him before the gathering and sees him as a centre‑forward. He recalled having scored seven goals under the former coach’s orders, which, in his view, is not bad. Belgian football awaits his performances under this new leadership.
He mentioned messages received after the win against Spain and the semi‑final against France, some comparing him to a future quiz question. He referenced his connections with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, including shared holidays in France and Ibiza where their partners got to know each other better. He indicated that he is engaged to Jozefien, adding that private success was also pleasant.
He confirmed having spoken with Paris Saint‑Germain, which ultimately chose Ferran Torres. Other clubs have shown interest, but he believes the current transfer fees make a departure difficult. He knows that Atalanta demands a high amount, which makes his future uncertain.
Van Bommel sees Belgium dominate before a cruel reversal against Italy
De Ketelaere wants to remain the number‑one centre‑forward for the Red Devils under van Bommel and focus on the upcoming international matches. He concluded that he will continue to work so that Belgium goes far in the competitions ahead.