Under the hot sun of Clairefontaine, the French national team commenced their World Cup preparations with an intriguing split session. As three goalkeepers pedaled away on bicycles, the remaining fifteen outfield players were put through a grueling physical test designed to build a foundation for the challenges ahead.
Head coach Didier Deschamps had outlined his intention to use the initial three days of camp to focus intensively on physical conditioning, and the first day delivered just that. With a truncated squad at his disposal, the manager made the most of the 18 players present.
The absences were notable: five Paris Saint-Germain stars and Arsenal defender William Saliba were engaged elsewhere, gearing up for the Champions League final in Budapest. Meanwhile, Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta were still celebrating Crystal Palace’s Conference League triumph and were not expected to join until the weekend.
The goalkeeping trio had a relatively lighter start, enjoying a bike ride to activate their muscles, a common low-impact method to begin a training block. In contrast, the outfield contingent faced a far more demanding regimen under the watchful eye of fitness coach Cyril Moine.
Moine orchestrated a variety of workshops that tested every facet of physical readiness. The session, which kicked off at 5:20 p.m., quickly escalated in intensity. Smiles that had greeted the start of the workout gradually gave way to expressions of strain as the heart rates climbed.
The players were later split into two groups for a series of running exercises around the pitch. The tempo was progressively increased, pushing the athletes to their limits. This was followed by a sequence of full-tilt sprints on the grass, a phase that left no doubt about the seriousness of the preparation.
After the high-intensity running, the players finally laced up their football boots. The shift from pure physical work to ball-related activity was seamless, though the fatigue from the earlier exertions was palpable.
The hour-long session concluded with a classic training ground staple: toros, or rondo, where players aim to keep possession in a tight circle. It was a lighter, skill-oriented finish that still demanded focus despite tired legs.
This opening day was more than just a fitness drill. It sent a clear message: Deschamps is intent on building a robust physical base before tactical nuances become the priority. With key players missing, those present had a chance to stake early claims and show their commitment.
France’s World Cup campaign is set to run from June 11 to July 19, and every day of preparation counts. The late arrivals will have to integrate quickly, but the groundwork laid in these early sessions could prove decisive. Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
