Deschamps Confident Mbappe Will Be Back Among the Goals 

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates following the UEFA Nations League group B soccer match between France and Belgium in Lyon, France, 09 September 2024. (EPA)
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates following the UEFA Nations League group B soccer match between France and Belgium in Lyon, France, 09 September 2024. (EPA)
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Deschamps Confident Mbappe Will Be Back Among the Goals 

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates following the UEFA Nations League group B soccer match between France and Belgium in Lyon, France, 09 September 2024. (EPA)
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates following the UEFA Nations League group B soccer match between France and Belgium in Lyon, France, 09 September 2024. (EPA)

France coach Didier Deschamps said he has no concerns about the form of Kylian Mbappe and expects Real Madrid's new forward to rediscover his scoring touch when he reaches full fitness.

After France opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Italy in Paris, Deschamps fielded a much-changed team against Belgium on Monday, with Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann starting on the bench in their 2-0 win.

Mbappe struggled at Euro 2024 after breaking his nose against Austria and took four games before scoring his first league goals for Madrid after his move from Paris St Germain.

"The French team will always be stronger with him and I’m convinced that in a month he will be better," Deschamps said.

"There are very high demands in his club. I have no worries with Kylian."

Mbappe was brought on in the 67th against Belgium and looked bright as he tried to add his name to the scoresheet, missing narrowly from a tight angle 10 minutes from time and having an effort saved in the 86th minute.

Michael Olise and Manu Kone were handed their first caps against Italy while Lucas Digne played his first game for France in more than two years against Belgium, with Matteo Guendouzi also returning.

Deschamps says he is using the Nations League as a platform to widen the pool of talent at his disposal and plans to continue down that path regardless of the results.

"I'm sticking to my course, to put as many players as possible in situations where we can test them," he said.

"It is the time to do that even if you lose games. You don't replace players with 50 caps by snapping your fingers.

"I'm well aware that I am not putting the team in the best conditions," he said of the numerous changes to the line-up.

"But we have to go through it. It gives us answers."



Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
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Real Madrid's Rodrygo 'Upset' over Ballon d'Or Shortlist Omission

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Real Betis - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - September 1, 2024 Real Madrid's Rodrygo REUTERS/Susana Vera Purchase Licensing Rights

Brazilian Rodrygo said his versatility may have cost him a Ballon d'Or nomination after the Real Madrid forward was not among the 30 names short-listed for the prestigious award.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals and registered nine assists in 51 appearances for the club last season.

His Madrid team mates Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, as well as the now-retired Toni Kroos, were all nominated.

Kylian Mbappe, who arrived at Madrid from Paris St Germain in the close season, was also on the shortlist.

"I was upset, I think I deserved it," Rodrygo told ESPN. "I don't want to belittle the players who are there, I think they deserved it also.

"But I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise but there is not much I can do as I'm not the one who decides these things."

Rodrygo primarily plays on the right but can also play on the left or as a centre forward, and is often utilized as a second striker by coach Carlo Ancelotti, Reuters reported.

"Often, I'm just filling spaces," Rodrygo added. "Is someone missing there? Put Rodrygo in. Is someone missing on the right? Rodrygo. Is someone missing as number nine? Rodrygo. That's it.

"It may get in my way a little, but I'm a team player."

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Oct. 28.