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Real Madrid players reportedly question fitness coach Antonio Pintus’s methods, despite his reputation, as the team faces a high number of injuries this season.
Reports suggest that some players in the Real Madrid locker room are beginning to doubt the methods of fitness coach Antonio Pintus. While no one questions the professionalism and dedication of the 62-year-old coach, whom Luka Modrić highly respects, many believe his intense methods may be contributing to the high number of injuries impacting Real’s squad this season.
According to Relevo, Real Madrid has endured 25 injuries from the start of the preseason until the recent match against Osasuna, where Eder Militao suffered a season-ending knee ligament injury. Other injuries include Eduardo Camavinga’s knee, Jude Bellingham’s calf, and Brahim Diaz’s abductor.
Pintus Losing Support Among Key Players?
Some stars in the locker room reportedly no longer support Pintus, despite his celebrated methods. Two years ago, Luka Modrić famously praised Pintus after one of Real Madrid’s iconic Champions League matches, where he ran to the shirtless Pintus in the locker room, hugging and pointing to him while shouting, “Pintus’s methods, Pintus’s methods!”
Real Madrid even posted a video of the moment, calling it the “Pintus Effect,” crediting him for Real’s miraculous comeback against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semifinal. However, current concerns over his approach suggest his techniques might no longer suit some players.