Martinez dismisses reports of squad ‘bust-up’

boss Roberto Martinez insists reports of a squad bust-up following the defeat to Morocco are “fake news” as his side prepare for their final World Cup group game against Croatia.

The Red Devils have had a difficult start to the tournament, with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Canada followed by a 2-0 humbling at the hands of Morocco.

World No 2 side Belgium sit thirdingroupfandwillhaveto overcome group leaders Croatiaiftheyaretoreachthelast16.

Martinez claimed members of his squad were not happy with their performances but wants people to get behind “the best generation” of players topullonabelgiumshirtrather than find negative news.

He said: “Some outlets in Belbelgium gium are quite happy to jump on fake news. The standards come from within, we had a campwhowerenothappywith our performances.

“There is more desire to find negative news around this teamratherthangetthisnation together,supportthisteamand enjoy the talent of the best generation that we have ever had.”

Croatia have four points and Martinez knows the size of Belgium’s task. He added: “They finished second in 2018 and we know the quality they have.”

Croatia need a draw but boss Zlatko Dalic is equally wary. He said: “This is one of the best football teams in the world. This is a great team and if we had to choose, we could not have selected this one to be the decisive one. We have a difficult opponent and will not fool ourselves by their underperformance in the last two games and for Belgium it is a crucial match as well. We shall not be fooled by media stories.”