Conflict often carries hidden chances, and Carlo Ancelotti along with Antonio Pintus seems to share that view. The Real Madrid coach and his physical trainer have decided to turn the lull of a heavy calendar into this season’s strategic calendar. In November, Real Madrid aligns with an intentional plan for the year ahead.
For Pintus, the November and December break creates room for a second pre-season in the middle of the campaign. This approach aims to boost the physical performance of players who closed last season at peak form, setting up a path toward winning both the league and the Champions League. That is why Pintus urged players to push past their limits using innovative methods and the latest science, often backed by technology.
The result was a return to Madrid for the team, training at Valdebebas with hypoxia masks. These devices simulate high-altitude conditions by limiting air flow during cardio sessions. Short interval hypoxia training, typically conducted in one to two hour blocks, makes players work under simulated altitude to provoke favorable blood responses. Pintus has used these techniques before, and it likely won’t be the last time Real Madrid employs them.
Second workout of the day… ✅#RMInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/9OWeupk1IT
– Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) July 22, 2022
neurovision therapies
Beyond this, the club has explored another wave of innovation. The latest signature move from the Whites involved Aurelien Tchouameni receiving neurovision sessions from Fabric Gautier. This therapy targets the visual cortex to widen both the lateral and deep visual fields. Gautier began working with the Madrid midfielder in June, integrating neurovision with physiotherapy and osteopathy. L’Equipe reported that an osteopath fine tunes the body for smoother movement, while a physical therapist focuses on rehabilitation and teaching the body how to use it effectively.
Gautier has been active in the United States since 1999, starting with the French basketball guard Ronny Turiaf, whom he connected with through a journalist. Turiaf later introduced him to Tony Parker, bringing him into the roster of the French basketball squad between 2009 and 2013. In addition to Tchouameni, Turiaf and Parker, Gautier has worked with a roster of athletes including Joakim Noah, Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gobert, and football talents like Jules Koundé.
A point where Ancelotti and Pintus have focused is nutrition. This section tracks the physical development of former players such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and the rise of Vinicius Jr. A comprehensive plan crafted by Tiago Wolf, a Brazilian trainer, supports Vinicius with a personalized meal plan devised by a French chef who prepares meals at a Real Madrid player’s home. This holistic approach blends athletic performance with dietary strategy to sustain peak form.
Conflict often yields opportunities, and Ancelotti with Pintus appears to hold that belief. The Real Madrid project hinges on turning calendar monotony into strategic growth, aligning with the season’s big objectives and keeping the squad primed for both domestic and European battles. The coaching staff consistently explores science-backed methods to ensure the players remain at their best as the campaign progresses, including specialized training, neurology-informed therapies, and nutrition that supports sustained performance.
In Madrid, the team has managed to balance intense competition with careful recovery. The use of altitude simulations, innovative visual therapies, and tailored nutrition all contribute to a modern, science-driven approach to elite football. The aim remains clear: a season that translates every resource into tangible results on the field, backed by data, expertise, and a stubborn commitment to continuous improvement.
As the schedule tightens, Real Madrid continues to push the boundaries of how top clubs train, recover, and optimize performance. This blend of traditional grit and cutting-edge science is shaping the club’s strategy for the rest of the year and beyond, with the ultimate goal of achieving domestic dominance and continental glory. The ongoing collaboration between Ancelotti, Pintus, and their team underscores a broader trend in professional sports—where athletic excellence is powered by a well-rounded, evidence-based program. The results, time will tell, but the method is clear and relentless.