Former European Red Devils coach exposes mistake that sent Man City star to the hospital

After leaving the Belgian national team, Rudi Garcia surprisingly uncovered behind-the-scenes problems at the 2026 World Cup, including a critical health emergency concerning Jeremy Doku.

Not long after stepping down as head coach of Belgium, Mr. Rudi Garcia spoke out for the first time about the issues behind the campaign in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. In particular, the French manager strongly criticized the medical team's handling of certain injuries and illnesses among the players.

In an interview with Le Soir, Garcia stated that these problems directly affected the preparation and squad management of the Belgian team.

"Our World Cup campaign was severely impacted by the improper handling of some injuries and health issues,"Garcia said.

The most specific case he referred to was Jeremy Doku. The Manchester City star was expected to be one of Belgium's key attacking weapons, but encountered health problems during the tournament. Doku's condition later became so serious that he had to go to the emergency room due to fluid in his lungs.

According to Garcia, the issue had emerged about a week earlier. However, the team doctor believed a check-up was unnecessary because Doku had been given antibiotics and was starting to feel better. The Man City player himself also eventually declined to undergo the examination.

"About a week before Doku had to go to the emergency room, after I insisted, we managed to arrange a scan. Six days later, he spent the entire night in the ER,"the former Belgium coach revealed.

Doku was not the only case that made the 62-year-old coach dissatisfied with how physical issues were handled at the Belgian team.

Garcia also mentioned the injuries of captain Youri Tielemans, Charles De Ketelaere, and Zeno Debast during the World Cup. These personnel problems arose as Belgium went through a rather inconsistent tournament.

Garcia's team started with two draws against Egypt and Iraq. A 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver then helped them top the group on goal difference.

Belgium then had to come from behind against Senegal to advance, before putting on what Garcia considered their best performance of the tournament against hosts USA in the round of 16. The European Red Devils' journey finally ended in the quarter-finals after a loss to 2026 World Cup champions Spain.

Despite publicly pointing out issues in the medical department, Garcia emphasized that he did not leave the Belgian team with a bitter feeling.

The French manager said he took the job with the goal of making the most of the remaining peak years of the generation of Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku to take Belgium as far as possible in the World Cup.

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we brought Belgium back onto the world football map. So, my mission is accomplished,"Garcia shared.

Garcia also admitted that he might have considered continuing in the role if offered an extension. After 18 months in charge, he said he had become attached to the players as well as the country of Belgium.

However, the Belgian Football Association decided to take a new direction after the World Cup. Mark van Bommel was quickly appointed as head coach, officially ending Rudi Garcia's tenure.