Courtois hints at clash with Wilmots: 'I gave him my opinion' after loss
Marc Wilmots' job hangs by a thread after Belgium's Euro 2016 quarter-final elimination to Wales, and Thibaut Courtois appears to be snapping at that loose cotton with a pair of scissors.
The goalkeeper refused to defend his embattled boss following Friday's 3-1 loss in Lille, and suggested there had been some impassioned words between the pair after the Red Devils filed back through the tunnel.
"This was an opportunity we may not get again," a despondent Courtois said, according to ESPN FC. "I gave him my opinion in the dressing room. He has to make his own decision."
Wilmots was asked about his future in the post-match media conference, and said he needs time to ponder his next step - that is, of course, if the Royal Belgian Football Association doesn't wield the axe before he has time to collect his thoughts.
"I said I'd make my decision after the European Championship. I won't make one straight after the game," the coach replied. "There's a lot of adrenaline going. We'll have to see."
Courtois revealed more of his views to Rtbf, with translation from ESPN FC, after the match. The shot-stopper expressed disappointment that Wilmots returned to the ultimately unsuccessful tactics used in the 2-0 defeat to Italy to begin the tournament, which resulted in the same negative outcome Friday.
"I pointed the finger where it had to be put after the game," he added. "We have to remain intelligent. We're young and we're going to still spend a lot of time together. But it's a disappointment because we had a golden chance to go to the final."
Wilmots' shunting of Kevin De Bruyne to right flank at halftime while Yannick Carrasco was replaced by Marouane Fellaini is one decision that may end the gaffer's four-year tenure. Wilmots defended his call, though.
"I put Marouane Fellaini on and for 15 to 20 minutes we were in control in the second half," Wilmots said. "We got caught for the second goal which shouldn't happen. Then it could have gone to 2-2.
"We were listed among one of the favourites. When you go out, you want to go further. But we made too many mistakes to win against a very good Wales side."
Wales now progresses with only Portugal standing in its way for a final berth at the Stade de France, while the raucous Red Devils support is left to bemoan the failings of a squad that arguably boasted the best individual talent in the competition.
Related: Wales boss Coleman elated after win: 'Don't be afraid to have dreams'