Rudi Garcia has been appointed the new head coach of the Belgium national football team. The 60-year-old Frenchman takes over from Domenico Tedesco, who was dismissed last week after serving less than two years in the role.
The decision to part ways with Tedesco followed Belgium’s recent struggles, prompting the search for a new leader to guide the team forward. Garcia will be officially introduced to the media during a press conference on Friday.
Previous experience in club management
Garcia’s most recent managerial position was at Napoli in Serie A. However, his time at the Italian club was cut short after just 16 matches in charge, leading to his dismissal in 2023.
Before his stint in Naples, Garcia coached Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League in 2022. His tenure lasted 10 months, ending through mutual consent. Over the years, the French coach has also led prominent clubs such as Lille, Marseille, Lyon, and AS Roma.
Belgium’s upcoming challenges
Ranked eighth in FIFA’s global standings, Belgium faces an important test in March when they take on Ukraine in the Nations League play-offs. Garcia’s appointment marks the start of a new chapter as the team prepares to navigate this crucial fixture and rebuild its competitive edge.