Chillah
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- Oct 12, 2016
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"It's a tactical reason," Martinez said at a news conference announcing the squad. "Over the last two years, we have worked in a very attacking way, a very specific system and manner, and other players had those roles. Radja has a very important role in his club, and I don't feel we can give him that in the national team. He's not a player to be used in a small role."
"I respect Radja," Martinez said. "He's not a young player. He's got great experience. I value his opinion.
"I didn't tell him he wasn't in the squad. I travelled to share some thoughts and the decision was made after the meeting. I was able to look into his eyes. It was a difficult conversation to have. I appreciate his honesty. I was glad to be able to see him before I made a decision."
"Christian is a player who can bring a different No. 9 style," Maritnez said of Benteke, who won the last of his 33 caps in September 2017. "Given the concerns we have over the other No. 9s, it was a necessity for us to have another one.
"He's had a difficult season, but I think he's used to working in that environment, and is experienced enough to perform for the national team. Look at the goals he scored in qualifying. He was in impressive form. We didn't call him up in March because I didn't need to see him, but it didn't affect what we thought of him."
Martinez also had no problem including two Chinese Super League midfielders -- Yannick Carrasco and Axel Witzel -- as well as defender Laurent Ciman, who is with MLS side LAFC.
Defender Vincent Kompany, who will make his second World Cup appearance, told ESPN FC that he appreciates the way Martinez approaches his position.
"I think Roberto thinks a lot about the game," Kompany said. "He has the knowledge about the game that you can expect from a top, top manager and he gives a lot of responsibility to his players so you don't get treated like schoolchildren. You have a role to play, and with an experienced team like ours now, I think it's a good combination."
kwese.espn.com/football/belgium/story/3505797/belgium-world-cup-squad-radja-nainggolan-left-out-by-boss-roberto-martinez
"I respect Radja," Martinez said. "He's not a young player. He's got great experience. I value his opinion.
"I didn't tell him he wasn't in the squad. I travelled to share some thoughts and the decision was made after the meeting. I was able to look into his eyes. It was a difficult conversation to have. I appreciate his honesty. I was glad to be able to see him before I made a decision."
"Christian is a player who can bring a different No. 9 style," Maritnez said of Benteke, who won the last of his 33 caps in September 2017. "Given the concerns we have over the other No. 9s, it was a necessity for us to have another one.
"He's had a difficult season, but I think he's used to working in that environment, and is experienced enough to perform for the national team. Look at the goals he scored in qualifying. He was in impressive form. We didn't call him up in March because I didn't need to see him, but it didn't affect what we thought of him."
Martinez also had no problem including two Chinese Super League midfielders -- Yannick Carrasco and Axel Witzel -- as well as defender Laurent Ciman, who is with MLS side LAFC.
Defender Vincent Kompany, who will make his second World Cup appearance, told ESPN FC that he appreciates the way Martinez approaches his position.
"I think Roberto thinks a lot about the game," Kompany said. "He has the knowledge about the game that you can expect from a top, top manager and he gives a lot of responsibility to his players so you don't get treated like schoolchildren. You have a role to play, and with an experienced team like ours now, I think it's a good combination."
kwese.espn.com/football/belgium/story/3505797/belgium-world-cup-squad-radja-nainggolan-left-out-by-boss-roberto-martinez
