Giorgio Chiellini has claimed that one Manchester City player did something “unacceptable” during his side’s latest clash at Euro 2024.
Out of Manchester City’s representatives at the tournament, only Croatia and Belgium have lost to Spain and Slovakia respectively. Big names like Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku tasted defeated in their nations’ first game of the competition.
Due to four out of the six teams finishing third in their groups being able to qualify for the Round of 16, a defeat to kickstart the competition is not detrimental.
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Giorgio Chiellini makes Jeremy Doku claim after Belgium lost to Slovakia
One player who faced criticism after their country’s defeat was Doku, with Eni Aluko slamming his “casual attitude” near his team’s box — playing a poor pass that eventually led to Ivan Schranz’s goal.
The £55.5 million man would be hoping to redeem himself in Belgium’s upcoming contest against Romania on Saturday.
Giorgio Chiellini, who defended Romelu Lukaku’s wasteful display in front of goal on Monday also felt the blunder from Doku was unacceptable.
Chiellini told Sky Italia’s Euroshow: “He [Romelu Lukaku] is someone who manages to create many opportunities on his own, in a match like today how could he have scored, he did it but it was cancelled. If I were in Belgium, I wouldn’t look at Lukaku as a problem, but as a solution.”
“They gave away a goal that is unacceptable at certain levels, they put the game on the line which only we had done worse, you can’t make a mistake with that. I don’t understand how you can make a pass like that inside the penalty area.”
Jeremy Doku will be fired up ahead of Romania clash
Doku would find it difficult to disagree with Chiellini, as his decision to initially dribble in such a dangerous area before playing a wayward pass cost Belgium three points.
As a result, the 22-year-old would be fired up to make amends against Romania — a game that could have a huge bearing on Domenico Tedesco’s side’s hopes of qualifying for the last-16.
If Belgium drop points to the Romanians, they will have to hope that Ukraine do the same against Slovakia.
If Ukraine beat Slovakia, the Belgians will head into their contest against them in what would be a final of sorts to decide which team potentially secures third place in Group E.
Currently, Romania and Slovakia have three points each, having beaten Ukraine and Belgium.
With Doku being one of his country’s best players, unless he leads his side to a victory against the Romanians, his mistake that Chiellini pinpointed will be focused upon even more.