Didier Deschamps has never hidden his love for the 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.  

Discovery padel in Cassis

“It's a real passion. I discovered the padel in 2010 when I was coach of Olympique de Marseille. There was a trail of padel in Cassis, today there are many more and fortunately. I played a little tennis and then I discovered this sport. Subsequently, I stopped playing tennis and continued to play padel : I think it's more fun. I have the opportunity to be able to play regularly and I have a lot of fun.”

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."

Du 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 pitches padel, so punctually 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 in the France 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 not that they hurt themselves because of the padel..."

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

Vincent Gallie

A fan of oval football, round ball but also racket sports, he was stung by the 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 fan of the little yellow ball.

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