Ancelotti focusing on building Real Madrid squad’s fitness levels during ongoing break | OneFootball

The international break has come as a much-needed opportunity for Real Madrid to regroup and refocus on improving their squad’s fitness.

Adding to it, according to reports from AS, Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take full advantage of this brief pause in the season to ensure that his players recover without overexertion.

With a demanding schedule ahead, it is vital for the team to avoid fatigue, and Ancelotti’s approach reflects this. The plan is clear: no group training until Tuesday, allowing the players to rest and rejuvenate.

It must be noted that the relentless schedule has caused mounting pressure on Real Madrid, even leading to murmurs of player strikes due to the sheer volume of matches. However, Ancelotti’s priority is to use this time wisely to restore the fitness of his squad.

Much-needed rest for Mbappe and Vinicius

Several key players are receiving special attention during this break. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., both crucial to Madrid’s success, have not joined their national teams for different reasons.

Carlo Ancelotti wants to avoid extreme exhaustion. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Mbappe will attend an external centre to focus on strength and conditioning, all under the supervision of Real Madrid. Vinicius, meanwhile, is following a tailored recovery plan that is slightly different from the rest of the injured players.

For others, like Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Brahim Diaz, Dani Ceballos, and David Alaba, their situations vary.

Alaba, recovering from a significant cruciate ligament injury, remains in a delicate phase, and his path to recovery remains uncertain. However, they will all maintain their usual training routine during the break.

Additionally, the only fully fit players without international duties—Ferland Mendy, Fran Garcia, Lucas Vazquez, and Jesus Vallejo—will continue training under the guidance of fitness coach Antonio Pintus.

With careful planning, it is said that Ancelotti aims to ensure that the entire squad returns stronger and better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.