Didier Deschamps has never hidden his love for padel. Like many other athletes, the 1998 World Champion was taken with a passion for the little yellow ball. Present at the French Open in Beausoleil or even whenA1 Padel Master of Monaco, the coach of the France team never misses an opportunity to tread the track. At the microphone Padel Magazine, the Bayonnais explains the origin of his passion.  

Discovering padel in Cassis

“It's a real passion. I discovered padel in 2010 when I was a coach at Olympique de Marseille. There was a padel court in Cassis, Today there are many more and fortunately. I used to play a little tennis and then I discovered this sport. Later, I stopped playing tennis and continued playing padel: I find it more fun. I have the opportunity to play regularly and I really enjoy it.”

Didier Deschamps in Beausoleil
©Vincent GALLIE

A sport that appeals to all athletes

“There are fewer requests than in tennis and then this playful side, necessarily that pleases. It is not specific to football players, but it concerns all sportsmen. Trajectory readings are important and it is accessible to all. It's a sport where even beginners can have fun. In tennis, when the technique is lacking, it's complicated, but there we manage to have fun. Fortunately, the best players are nice to us."

Padel in the EDF preparation courses?

"Absolutely why not. After preparation courses, unfortunately this is not often the case. Usually we have game three, four days after the start of the rally, so it's still difficult. But over a longer period why not. At the base camp in Doha during the World Cup we had two padel courts, so occasionally when there was no training, some were able to play.

But you have to be careful not to have an overload in terms of athletic work: they are above all footballers. Their passion is football, but it's important to have other activities on the side.”

What is the best pair of padel players in the French team?

Steve Mandanda Padel
PHOTO BY PARISIAN ARNAUD JOURNOIS

"Steve Mandanda plays fairly regularly. There in the 23, they are much younger, difficult to take out two, but I know that there are some who play. But we can't say too much, because you never know, it's better that they don't get injured because of padel..."

To see the full interview, it's right here.

Vincent Gallie

A fan of oval ball, round ball and also racket sports, he was bitten by padel during his adolescence in Galicia. As comfortable in front of the camera as behind a microphone, Vince will be able to bring his vision and expertise as a passionate fan of the little yellow ball.

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