Didier Deschamps does something every day that most of the France squad would consider impossible.
France are among the favourites to win the European Championships in Germany, with Deschamps’ squad boasting the likes of William Saliba, Antoine Griezmann and soon-to-be Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe.
While Deschamps has overseen a star-studded group of athletes over the past 12 years, the 55-year-old actively puts his body through a physical exercise that the majority of his players would be incapable of.
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Two years ago Deschamps told French news outlet RMC Sport that he holds the plank position for one hour every day.
The former defensive midfielder said: “I do a daily plank support for hours every day. I'm even a little sick in this aspect.
"I won't have any rest during this period. I will do it while listening to music, which helps me relax, because [normally] there are too many people in my head, and I talk to them often (laughs).
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“I think over and over again, and now I am used to this kind of practice. In fact, this kind of practice is a bit extreme. My wife always tells people: 'When he (Deschamps) does certain things, he is always a bit extreme.' But this way of mine has exercised both my body and mind.
"My players praise me too? I’m not too sure. I need to ask them. When I was a player, I couldn't complete the exercises I do now. I had requirements for other aspects of my body.
"Now this type of training is more of a challenge and enjoyment. If it was merely to torture myself, I would definitely not do it."
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Topics: Didier Deschamps, France, Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe
Chris Byfield