Nations League: Kevin de Bruyne says Belgium ‘must be better in every way’ after defeat to France

Kevin de Bruyne says Belgium “must be better in every way” after losing comfortably defeated by France in the Nations League on Monday.

The Manchester City midfielder said he let his teammates know “what went wrong” during a charged exchange at half-time.

Belgium are third in Group 2 of Liga A, level on three points with France.

De Bruyne admitted the side are not as good as in 2018, when they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, but added: “Other things are unacceptable. I’m not going to say what.”

Belgium opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel – with De Bruyne scoring twice. But after a strong start against France, they fell behind through goals from Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele.

After the 2-0 defeat against Belgian broadcaster VTM, De Bruyne did not want to comment on what was said during his half-time team interview.

“I can’t repeat that in the media, but things have to improve on all fronts,” said the 33-year-old.

“If the standard we want to achieve is the highest possible, but we are no longer good enough to reach that level, then you have to give everything.

“If you don’t do that, it’s over.”

However, De Bruyne did emphasise that he experiences the weakness of the Belgian playing style.

“If you stay with six at the back, there is no connection,” he added. “It is what it is.

“It’s not about transition, it’s about people not doing their jobs.”

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said he understood why De Bruyne was frustrated with his performance.

“He is our captain and has a huge winning mentality, so he can also react emotionally,” said Tedesco.