Real Madrid coach introduces demanding session with hypoxia masks
Real Madrid conditioning coach Antonio Pintus continues to revolutionise Los Blancos approach to pre-season training and fitness ahead of the new campaign, and the third training session of the week was a particular demanding one for the players, with hypoxia masks introduced.
It’s not at all comfortable to run with the mask on your face and a small backpack on your back, as well as a valve that regulates the air inlet and outlet.
This is key as it simulates altitude training, something teams have been unable to do naturally due to travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Carlo Ancelotti is desperate for Los Blancos’ injury record to be far improved in 2021/22, and work is being done by Pintus to ensure the squad is fitter and has a greater collective level of resistance.
Pintus has increased the number of training sessions and reduced travel time to a minimum, as players have been required to stay at the Valdebebas complex all day.
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It’s an old-fashioned pre-season without a money-spinning tour, and there are still two further sessions planned for this week.
Friday’s will be even more demanding, despite Los Merengues having a friendly match against AC Milan on Sunday in what will be their final pre-season game of the summer.