The coach of the France team padel, Patrick Fouquet was recently appointed by the French Tennis Federation.
Patrick Fouquet has one of the most important French CVs in the world of padel.
He tells us more about his “French team of padel".
Franck Binisti - How will the French team of padel ?
Patrick Fouquet - First of all, you should know that the coach will not select all the players. A good part will come towards the French championships of padel 2017. Indeed, the two finalist pairs will be directly qualified for the European championships next November. I will also be assisted by Alexis Salles who will allow me to take into consideration everything there is to know about the players in France.
FB - Do you already have ideas on how to build your team?
Today, of course, there is a trend, but there are 3 months of competitions left and a lot can change, especially during these French championships of padel 2017. I am a speaker around the padel on behalf of the FFT since almost the beginning of its adventure, I am in the padel for 18 years. I think I have a broad enough vision to have a reliable idea of the players of padel who will compose the France team.
FB - The French team of padel ladies and gentlemen does it have the potential to go far in the next European events?
PF - It depends if Spain is present or not. Same for Portugal: Will the team be complete or not? Let's assume that all countries are playing the game this year, then France will not be able to renew its title of European champion for men or vice-champion of Europe for women because it is still behind compared to to these nations in terms of level. We saw it again last year during the world championships of padel by team. But on the other hand, getting a bronze medal, for both girls and boys, would already be a very good thing.
FB - Now, in observation mode?
It's been several months since I watched the French level as a whole with its new players who make their appearance. The evolution of the French level, especially among gentlemen is impressive. Competition is getting tougher. The pool of potentially selectable players is becoming wider.
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Reading the answers of the coach, we can not doubt his competence because he handles the language of wood like an old man. If he and his deputy have been in the padel so a little ambition .......... aim for the only place that matters first. This ITV clearly shows the ambitions of those who in no way want to bring out the padel of its niche.
Good luck to both of you and your selections
Claude ... that you know well !!!!