Belgian Coach Tedesco Still Believes He’s the Right Man for the Job

 Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
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Belgian Coach Tedesco Still Believes He’s the Right Man for the Job

 Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)
Belgium's head coach Domenico Tedesco waves at the end of the UEFA Nations League Group A2 football match between Belgium and Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on November 14, 2024. (AFP)

Belgium's 1-0 defeat by Israel in the Nations League on Sunday has ramped up the pressure on Domenico Tedesco but the coach still believes he is the right man for the job.

Belgium have won just two of their last 10 internationals and only avoided bottom place in their group, and relegation from the top tier, because of better head-to-head results against the Israelis.

The 39-year-old has come under scrutiny since Belgium's disappointing exit at the European Championship and while the defeat in Budapest on Sunday did little to ease the pressure Tedesco remained positive about his role.

"I trust my qualities. I trust my staff, I trust my players. I trust the people around me. I know how hard I work," he said.

Belgium's timid tactics have been criticized throughout the six-game campaign despite Tedesco promising a more adventurous approach after they limped out to France in the last 16 at Euro 2024 in July.

"After the Euros I told you that we have to change something in some games, we missed intensity, and that we have to try new players because if we don't do it now we will never do it," Tedesco told reporters.

"This campaign was different because of many, many injuries."

Belgium were without a host of key players for their last group game on Sunday and lost the match late on after a horror defensive error from new cap Matte Smets.

"It was a difficult game, difficult circumstances, and it's difficult to say something harsh to this young team," said Tedesco.

"We are better equipped now to go into the next year's World Cup qualifiers."

While his future was the subject of much debate in Belgium after the loss to Israel, Tedesco was not letting it get to him.

"The negative sentiment is nothing new. I was told this is typically Belgian," he added.

"Naturally the results in the Nations League did not help but in March we have a sort of final in the playoffs to keep our place in the A League. It will be good to start the New Year with a strong focus."



Riyadh Governor Presents Loyalty Cup to Horse Far'e Trainer

The "Loyalty Cup” is classified among the second-category cups in Saudi horse racing for four-year-old horses. SPA
The "Loyalty Cup” is classified among the second-category cups in Saudi horse racing for four-year-old horses. SPA
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Riyadh Governor Presents Loyalty Cup to Horse Far'e Trainer

The "Loyalty Cup” is classified among the second-category cups in Saudi horse racing for four-year-old horses. SPA
The "Loyalty Cup” is classified among the second-category cups in Saudi horse racing for four-year-old horses. SPA

Governor of Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz has presented the Prince Mohammed bin Saud Al-Kabeer Cup to trainer Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Daghish after the horse Far'e, owned by Al-Manqoush Stables, claimed first place.

Known as the "Loyalty Cup,” the event is classified among the second-category cups in Saudi horse racing for four-year-old horses.

Upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz Equestrian Field in Al-Janadriyah, the governor of Riyadh Region was received by Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz; Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Faisal; Chairman of the Horse Racing Club and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Equestrian Authority Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal; and other officials.

Following his arrival, the royal anthem was played, and the 12th race of the 54th ceremony of the Horse Racing Club commenced.

In the race, which covered a distance of 2,000 meters, Far'e claimed first place.