Marseille boss Philippe Troussier says his players can have as much sex as they want - so long as they are in good shape to play the next day.

The former Japan Coach has a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian, but appears to show his players more leniency away from the training ground.

“Personally, I don’t go to nightclubs and I’m not one to burn the candle at both ends,” Troussier said.

“The most important thing for me is that the players are able to focus the next day and do not regard the match as a way of getting the previous night’s frolicking out of their systems."

Troussier continued: "It's up to each player to find the right balance and the right quantity of intimate liaisons that will enable everyone to be on the same wavelength before a game."

Troussier has succeeded in turning round Marseille’s season since his appointment in November.

Experts had struggled to pinpoint the reasons for the upturn, though Troussier’s latest comments might explain why the Marseille players seem to have smiles on their faces these days.