The French national football team, affectionately known as the Blues, have officially commenced their preparations for Euro 2024. Following a two-week training period in Clairefontaine, which included friendly matches against Luxembourg and Canada, they have now relocated to their base camp in Bad Lippspringe, near Paderborn, Germany. This move marks a significant step in their journey, as they gear up for an intense competition that kicks off on June 17 against Austria.
Their stay in Bad Lippspringe is meticulously planned to offer the team an optimal environment for both training and relaxation. The Best Western Premier Park Hotel & Spa has been selected as their residence for the duration of the tournament. This luxurious yet modest establishment aligns perfectly with the team's requirements, providing a peaceful setting away from the public eye. The hotel has been entirely privatized, ensuring the team can focus on their objectives without any disturbances.
Ecological considerations have also been taken seriously by the French Football Federation (FFF). Emphasizing sustainable practices, the team will travel primarily by bus to nearby match locations, such as Düsseldorf and Dortmund, minimizing their carbon footprint. However, a flight will be necessary for their match in Leipzig against the Netherlands on June 21.
As the reigning vice-world champions, the Blues are poised to make a significant impact. Their training sessions are set to take place at the Home Deluxe Arena, the home ground of the Paderborn football club. With a freshly refurbished field and a seating capacity of 15,000, the arena is ready to welcome the French squad. Upon their arrival in Germany, the team immediately headed to the arena for a training session open to the media, following a press conference with coach Didier Deschamps.
Key players like Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram have already made their presence felt on the pitch, though some, such as Kylian Mbappe, are currently dealing with minor physical issues. The team is leveraging every available resource to ensure their top players are in peak condition for the tournament. The calm and serene environment of their base camp, combined with the well-organized training facilities, are designed to give the team the best possible chance to excel.
- The base camp's strategic location allows the French team to minimize travel time and maintain a focused routine. Bad Lippspringe is just 176 km from Düsseldorf and 123 km from Dortmund, the venues for their group-stage matches against Austria and Poland, respectively.
- Unique features of the Best Western Premier Park Hotel & Spa include a spacious park behind the hotel, ideal for light exercise and team bonding activities. This element harks back to their successful 2018 World Cup campaign in Istra, Russia.
- In ensuring the needs of the team are met, various parts of the hotel have been repurposed, including spaces for warm-ups and meetings. Such customization fosters a conducive environment for the team's preparation.
- Germany's emphasis on conducting an environmentally responsible Euro 2024 aligns with the FFF's own ecological commitments. This shared vision further cements the Blues' dedication to sustainability, even in their logistical arrangements.
