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)
TT

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."



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
TT

Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.