Recently appointed to head the French women's national team alongside Baptiste Benetoux, Juan Alday led his first observation camp with the best French players. From his initial impressions and the criteria that will guide his choices to his vision of the role of national team coach, the Argentinian coach shared his thoughts with... Padel Magazine. 

"A very moving role"

Juan Alday does not hide his enthusiasm when talking about his debut as head of the French national team.

Although he already knew all the players thanks to the many matches now broadcast, this first gathering allowed him to spend time with them on a daily basis.

“I am very happy and very moved by this new step. I already knew all the French players, but seeing them up close is different. And with Baptiste by my side, everything is much simpler.”

An internship focused on observation

The recent training camp was not intended to disrupt the players' routines, but rather to get to know them better.

Some arrived directly from competition with tired legs, others approached this gathering with a bit of nervousness, but the general state of mind fully satisfied the new coach.

"The girls had a lot of energy. Some were tired, others a little nervous, but we really enjoyed this training camp."

More than the level of play, Juan Alday explains that he observed another aspect.

"What interests me most is not just their skill level. I mainly look at their energy, their way of resolving certain situations or managing a match. That's what impressed me the most positively."

French women's national team: 14 players called up by Juan Alday for an observation camp

Lou Lambert and Kimy Barla, two players who made a lasting impression on him

When asked to name players who have particularly impressed him, Juan Alday acknowledges the delicate task.

"It's always difficult to mention only two players, because it can give the impression of forgetting the others."

Although he refuses to rank his group, two young players have nevertheless caught his attention.

"I really enjoyed seeing him again"  Lou Lambert  et  Kimy Barla "...whom I discovered last year at the French championships in Perpignan. I appreciated their development and progress. It makes you want to see what the future holds for them."

Why Steffi Merah was selected

When asked about the selection for the next European Games, where  Steffi Merah  was preferred to  Clara Mansart Juan Alday insists on one point: no player is truly ahead of another.

"I'm not favoring anyone. The decisions are very difficult because the levels are very close."

He explains that the decision hinged on very small details, which he prefers not to reveal.

"These are very difficult choices. This doesn't mean that the players not selected are less talented or that they won't be selected later."

The technician also points out that the competition is particularly fierce.

"It's not just Clara. There's also Camille, Cassandra, Jennifer… many players are performing at a very high level. Baptiste and I felt that, for this event, Steffi was the best choice."

"The most important thing is to create a team."

Accustomed to the circuit Premier PadelJuan Alday clearly distinguishes his daily work from that of national team coach.

When he coaches a pair year-round, he can intervene on technical or tactical aspects. With a national team, the logic is completely different.

"I'm not here to technically modify a player. Each player already has her own coach. My role is to understand her strengths, optimize them, and above all, find the best combinations."

For him, the success of a selection process does not depend solely on individual talent.

"There can be two excellent players who don't work well together. A coach's job isn't simply to line up the best names, but to build a real team."

Juan Alday: “Padel isn’t better, it’s just become more demanding”

A look at the FIP vs. debate Premier Padel

Finally, Juan Alday was asked about a question currently circulating on the circuit: several Top 60 players are now choosing to play FIP Tour tournaments rather than certain events. Premier Padel in order to maximize their point totals.

For the Spaniard, this choice is perfectly understandable.

“Today, coaches and players adapt to the rules of the circuit. If a player can earn more points in a FIP tournament than in a Premier PadelI think it makes sense that he made that choice.

Without proposing a miracle solution, he nevertheless believes that better harmonization of the calendar would be beneficial.

"The tournaments need to be better organized. For example, it would make more sense for a P2 tournament like Bordeaux to take precedence over certain FIP tournaments. Players need to continue competing in FIP tournaments without losing their chances on..." Premier Padel"It's a complicated situation, but a solution must be found."

With the World Championships just a few months away, this first training camp has primarily allowed Juan Alday to lay the foundations for his project. The Spanish coach insists that, beyond the level of play, it is the players' ability to form a high-performing team that will guide his future decisions.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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