Rudi Garcia clarifies remarks on Senegal after racism controversy

Rudi Garcia spoke on Thursday to clarify remarks made at a press conference following Belgium’s qualification for the World Cup round of 16, secured after a dramatic turnaround against Senegal (3-2 a.e.t.).

During that press conference, the Belgian manager had stated: “We know these teams, they lose tactical control towards the end of the match.” A phrasing immediately interpreted by part of the public as a reference to African teams, triggering a wave of criticism on social media.

Via a message posted on his own social networks, Garcia sought to clarify what he meant by the expression “these teams”: “I was referring to teams that are not accustomed to managing an advantage in this type of match at this level in the World Cup. In no way was it aimed at African teams, and could just as easily have referred to Asian, South American or European teams that are not used to this kind of pressure.”

The French coach also drew on his own managerial experience to support his explanation: “I myself, as a less experienced coach at the time, paid to learn that stopping play to defend a result at all costs is counterproductive. That is what I was thinking when I said that these teams can lose their tactical structure in those moments.”

The controversy comes in the wake of a particularly intense match: trailing 2-0 with five minutes remaining in regular time, the Red Devils secured an equalizer in added time before winning in extra time. Garcia now hopes to move past the issue before the round of 16 tie against the United States, scheduled for Saturday evening in Seattle.