Van Bommel's first major move as coach was a visit to Istanbul, where he watched Fenerbahçe's Champions League play-off match against Olympique Lyon. The Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who plays for Fenerbahçe, was given 10 minutes of playing time during the match. Voetbal International reports that Van Bommel's trip to Turkey was primarily for a personal conversation with Lukaku. This is not the only high-profile meeting Van Bommel has planned; he also intends to speak with Thibaut Courtois in Madrid.
Van Bommel has been making a point of attending various matches, including the recent league games between RC Genk and Westerlo, and SK Beveren and Anderlecht. As Voetbal International notes, this is a clear indication of Van Bommel's desire to get to know his players and the team's strengths as quickly as possible. The new coach took over from Rudi García, whose contract was not renewed after the World Cup.
Van Bommel's first test as coach will come in September, when Belgium faces Italy in the Nations League.