Real Madrid want fitness coach to stay despite criticism, Perez a firm believer | OneFootball

Antonio Pintus, the fitness coach of Real Madrid, has received a lot of heat this season for the way the first-team players have picked up injuries at regular intervals.

Many have pointed to Pintus’ training regime and diet for Real Madrid’s injury crisis throughout the campaign, which in turn, hurt the team’s chances of winning any silverware.

In the midst of such criticism, it was believed that Pintus will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, following head coach Carlo Ancelotti down the exit door.

Real Madrid want Pintus to stay

However, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid want Antonio Pintus to remain with the first team for the Club World Cup and next season, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future and the incoming arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach.

The report suggests the 62-year-old Italian has already been informed of the club’s intention to keep him in his current role.

Can Antonio Pintus operate under Xabi Alonso’s regime? (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

His decision, though, will depend largely on his impressions of Alonso and the new backroom staff, some of whom are set to follow the Spaniard from Bayer Leverkusen.

The report adds that Pintus has drawn criticism over the team’s injury woes, the club does not believe he is solely to blame.

Still, the internal friction has left Pintus feeling undervalued, and he reportedly wants to feel “important and listened to” before committing his future.

Club president Florentino Perez is said to be a firm believer in Pintus’ contribution, even calling him a key factor behind the team’s Champions League success.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Italian fitness coach in the coming summer, especially as Real Madrid brace themselves for a transitional period under new coach Alonso.