The 124-cap playmaker, now at Napoli, used the Red Devils’ pre-camp media day at their training centre to make clear he will keep playing under Van Bommel and target the 2028 European Championship. His summary of the meeting with the new coach was matter-of-fact.
“The other players also asked me to stay. All of it pushed me to keep going,” he told reporters in Tubize, referring to the conversations that followed Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final exit against Spain in the summer.
He had an immediate read on the Dutchman himself.
“I told myself he’s a typical Dutchman.”
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De Bruyne then unpacked what he meant.
“He is clear and direct in the way he deals with people. After one training session, I already know how he wants to play.”
His motivation, he said, is simple.
“As long as I have the fire, I will keep going.”
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Van Bommel went to Naples
The meeting happened on De Bruyne’s turf. Van Bommel has told Belgian media he had a good meeting with Kevin in Naples to check whether he was still 100 per cent behind the project, and came away convinced. He plans to use De Bruyne in midfield at 10, 8 or even 6 in a 4-3-3, and has kept Youri Tielemans as captain.
Van Bommel took charge on 15 August on a contract that runs through Euro 2028, replacing Rudi Garcia after the World Cup quarter-final defeat. Former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden is part of his staff.
‘My role has to change a bit’
De Bruyne accepted that his role with the Red Devils has to shift.
“My role with the Red Devils has to change a bit.”
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“I am here to help the younger players take on their responsibilities.”
Nations League opener in Rome
Belgium open their Nations League campaign at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Friday, then host France in Brussels on 28 September, welcome Türkiye to Liège on 2 October and travel to the Stade de France on 5 October.
The tournament De Bruyne is aiming at is the 2028 European Championship, hosted by the United Kingdom and Ireland. UEFA’s qualifying draw takes place at the ICC in Belfast on 6 December 2026, and the qualifying group stage runs from March to November 2027.
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