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SOCCER

Carlo Ancelotti's best partner emerges as Real Madrid's emergency solution

Changes are coming to Real Madrid after the latest league setback against Celta

The current situation at Real Madrid is extremely tense. The playing style isn't convincing, Xabi Alonso's role is increasingly questioned, and the results aren't favorable either. The atmosphere has become so strained that Real Madrid's top management is already seeking emergency solutions to stop the decline.

The most obvious option—and the one that's been repeated most often in recent days—is Xabi Alonso's dismissal. The coach from Tolosa hasn't managed to connect with the locker room or implement his footballing ideas on the field, which has cast doubt on his continuity. Florentino Pérez knows it's easier to change the coach than to overhaul the locker room, but before making a final decision, he wants to explore other alternatives that could redirect the situation.

Soccer coach in Real Madrid training gear pointing to the ground during a field practice.
Xabi during a training session | @realmadrid

Carlo Ancelotti's right-hand man emerges as an emergency solution at Real Madrid

In this context, an unexpected possibility is gaining traction within the club. This is the return of Antonio Pintus to the front line, who has been considered for years Carlo Ancelotti's best partner. His role as fitness coach was key to Real Madrid's performance during the club's most successful seasons, making the team perform especially well in the second halves.

After Ancelotti's departure, Antonio Pintus has remained linked to Real Madrid, although not as the direct head of fitness. That responsibility fell to Ismael Camenforte, a member of Xabi Alonso's new staff. However, the physical problems the squad has been dealing with since September could lead to his return to the daily life of the locker room.

Florentino Pérez is seriously considering the possibility of Antonio Pintus rejoining the coaching staff as the direct head of the fitness area. This would undoubtedly be a tough blow for Xabi Alonso, as it would mean admitting that the physical planning hasn't been up to par. It could also be his salvation, since it would strengthen a weak point that's seriously affecting the team's collective performance.

Antonio Pintus could be Xabi Alonso's savior

With Antonio Pintus, Real Madrid always delivered a dominant performance in the second halves, where many of their great Champions League comebacks were decided. His methodology is well known and respected in Valdebebas. The idea is for him to physically revitalize players like Valverde, Vinícius, or Bellingham, who aren't reaching the required intensity levels.

The board believes that a physically stronger Real Madrid can compete again at a higher level without needing to dismiss Xabi Alonso prematurely. That's why, at this moment, Antonio Pintus's return is being considered as an emergency measure to prevent a bigger crisis.

➡️ Real Madrid ➡️ Soccer

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