Antonio Pintus (foto: Getty Images)
Tensions rise at Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti clashes with fitness coach Antonio Pintus over the team’s injury crisis. Players reportedly unhappy with intense training methods.
Real Madrid is dealing with a serious injury crisis that has already sidelined nine players, including key stars like Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Rodrygo. With a total of 25 injuries this season, frustrations have boiled over behind the scenes, sparking tensions between coach Carlo Ancelotti and the club’s fitness coach, Antonio Pintus.
Pintus, a 62-year-old Italian fitness expert, has been a respected figure in European football, with past roles at Chelsea, Juventus, Inter, and Marseille. This is his second stint working alongside Ancelotti at Real Madrid. However, Spanish media reports suggest the duo recently exchanged heated words over the alarming number of injuries affecting the squad.
Sources claim that some Real Madrid players, including Jude Bellingham, have expressed dissatisfaction with Pintus’ demanding training methods. There are whispers within the club that Pintus’ approach might be outdated and unsuited to the modern game.
While injury issues were also present last season, they didn’t seem to affect Real Madrid’s results as significantly. This year, however, with performances faltering, the situation has become a focal point of criticism.
Real Madrid’s next match is in nine days against Leganés, but with multiple key players still recovering, the pressure on both Ancelotti and Pintus is mounting.