Wilmots wants Belgium to be 'full of belief'
Saturday, December 12, 2015
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Belgium coach Marc Wilmots recognises Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden pose a stern Group E challenge, but insists: "It's a tough draw – nothing more."
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At a UEFA European Championship for the first time since 2000, Belgium's Group E challenge is considerable with Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Sweden standing in their way – and coach Marc Wilmots wants his squad to hit the ground running.
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Marc Wilmots, Belgium coach
A group of death? There is no such thing. It's a tough draw – nothing more. Republic of Ireland we should be able to beat; Sweden we can also beat. The first match against Italy will be the toughest. [Italy coach Antonio Conte] will not be happy to have drawn us either.
The top two progress and Belgium and Italy are the favourites in this one. Now we need to set up some friendly opponents to prepare; Sweden and Ireland play an English style of football, so we will try to find that kind of opponent. Distance is not the biggest issue in France; it's maximum a one-hour flight, so that's much better than in [the World Cup finals in] Brazil, so that is a bit of a bonus.
We do not have to worry about the players underestimating any matches. They have to be on top form from the start, so regarding motivation we could not have a better first opponent than Italy. We will have to go into the tournament full of belief.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium goalkeeper
It is not the easiest draw, but we have to deal with it now. Italy are always a difficult opponent; Sweden with Ibrahimović will be tough, and Ireland always have a strong team collectively – maybe not the very best, but a side who are always difficult to beat at a tournament like this. We have to be on our game from the start. Hopefully, we will do well against Italy who are our biggest rivals to win the group.
