Ambitions are high that France can finally lift a major title, with Philippe Bergeroo’s squad arriving in Canada in the form of their lives after a tough boot camp whipped them into shape for the Women’s World Cup.
Bergeroo drafted in fitness specialist Frederic Aubert, who has worked with the France rugby team and the country’s athletics and basketball stars, to prepare his side for the rigors of the four-week tournament from Saturday to July 5.
France finished fourth in the World Cup in Germany four years ago, followed by fourth again at the 2012 Olympics — disappointments that were in part blamed on Les Bleues’ lack of stamina.
Photo: AFP
“It’s unique that the coach has called on an athletics trainer who is not from football,” 59-year-old Aubert said. “He followed my adventures in rugby and basketball. We often met at training events and we really hit it off.”
Aubert spent seven years working with top rugby side Stade Francais, winning four league titles with them, and also accompanied the France team to the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
He also worked with both the French men’s and women’s basketball teams, winning Olympic silver in 2012 with the latter.
Midfielder Camille Abily, who won the league title with Lyon this season, believes the sessions at the national training center in Clairefontaine outside Paris are vital if France, ranked third by FIFA, are to challenge for a first major title.
“The preparation is intense and designed to put us in top condition. That wasn’t necessarily the case before,” 30-year-old Abily said.
“We looked at the countries that have caused us problems recently,” Aubert said, citing world champions Japan, and two-time winners Germany and the US. “The Japanese, it’s a question of vivacity, athletic motor skills. The Germans are problematic in terms of muscle density. Finally, we’re often overwhelmed by the Americans’ incredible energy.”
“We went from there and set out a plan,” he added. “We put in place a new system, with systematic strength training, structured warm-ups and regular aerobics following training.”
France open their campaign on Tuesday against England, with Mexico and Colombia also Group F rivals, hoping that the tough training sessions see them through to the final in Vancouver on July 5.
“We’ve gone up to another level in intensity. Is it enough? I hope so,” Bergeroo said.
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