Rudi Garcia hails Leandro Trossard's Egypt display as magnificent

After Belgium’s draw with Egypt, coach Rudi Garcia described Leandro Trossard’s display as “magnificent” during a press conference at the Seattle Sounders training centre in Renton. The Arsenal forward, who started the match on the right flank, called his own performance “a decent match” but regretted not adding a goal for the national side. Trossard is not a popular figure among Belgian supporters, who compare his national team displays unfavourably with his Arsenal form. Rudi Garcia expects him to maintain balance, keep possession for the Rode Duivels and create cohesion between teammates. Garcia’s “magnificent” appraisal contrasted with the general criticism aimed at Trossard’s lack of spectacular moments for the Rode Duivels. Trossard replied, “It is always nice to get such a compliment. I think I played a good match, sorry I could not help the team with a goal.” During the Egypt game Trossard began on the right side but later swapped flanks with Doku, who found the role difficult. “That does not bother me, I can play on either side depending on how the match develops,” he explained. Trossard stressed that his primary duty is to fulfil both offensive and defensive tasks for the Rode Duivels, adding that external comments affect him little. “As long as the coach is satisfied with my game, that is all that matters,” he said. Garcia is pleased with Trossard’s contributions, having started him nine times in twelve matches under his tenure for the Rode Duivels. He hinted that Trossard could be in the starting line‑up against Iran, regardless of public opinion. Feeling the coach’s trust, Trossard said it improves his comfort with the Rode Duivels. “I hope to grow in the tournament, just like the whole team,” he concluded.