The 5 unsung heroes of Real Madrid’s dream 2021/22 season

Real Madrid, Champions League (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Champions League (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Real Madrid, Antonio Pintus (Photo by Diego Souto/ Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Antonio Pintus (Photo by Diego Souto/ Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

2. Antonio Pintus

Real Madrid had a disappointing 2020/21 season, as they went trophyless. One of the main reasons behind that failure was the fact that there were a total of more than 60 injuries throughout the season, which is unusually high for any football club. Many key players suffered injuries at crucial junctures, which had an impact in some way or the other.

But in this season, there have been lesser injuries, and the players have been able to be at their physical best for high-intensity games against top teams at the fag end of the season. The reason is the return of strength and conditioning coach Antonio Pintus.

Fans knew what to expect from Antonio Pintus, with the Italian having worked at the club in the past. But he has done his job perfectly, and the impact is clearly visible. Even a player with chronic injuries like Eden Hazard has been able to improve physically, under Pintus.

He has organised mini pre-season camps whenever possible during the season, which has enabled the players to adapt easily to changes in tactics and varying physical demands from game to game. He has also introduced new fitness routines and made the players work harder for tougher drills.

For everything he has done, he truly is an unsung hero.