Arsenal star’s dad hits out at Euro 2024 manager after surprise benching | Football

Having scored in both warm-up games prior to Euro 2024, Trossard started in Belgium’s group-stage opener against Slovakia as Tedesco’s side slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Slovakia.

The 29-year-old, who notched up 12 Premier League goals in his first full season at Arsenal, was subsequently dropped for Belgian’s second game against Romania, with Sevilla’s Dodi Lukebakio replacing him in the forward line.

But speaking before Belgium’s 2-0 win over Romania, Trossard’s father Pierre believed his son’s poor performance in the opening game was down to a lack of guidance from his manager.

‘Leandro is criticised, but he was moved from one position to another, it’s difficult to keep a guideline in your game in these conditions,’ he told Belgian outlet De Morgen.

All three teams in Group E are tied on three points but Tedesco’s side will be through to the round of 16, in the top two, so long as they avoid defeat by Ukraine.

‘We have an extreme amount of potential. Let’s see, the last game will be difficult,’ the Belgian boss said after the game.

‘We are very relieved we won. It was very important to get the three points. For the rest of the tournament, we are released [from the pressure] and happy.

‘Romania left more spaces than Slovakia did. Of course, we missed one or two chances. It would be better if we could kill the game earlier.

‘The mentality was good. It’s a pity if you see the quality of chances we created. But it’s not easy against Romania.’

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