Real Madrid hand Kylian Mbappe over to fitness coach who wants him to follow Cristiano Ronaldo-style program: Reports
Real Madrid have reportedly handed Kylian Mbappe over to fitness coach Antonio Pintus, who will plan a Cristiano Ronaldo-style program for the forward. This comes off the back of a sub-par Euro 2024 for the Frenchman, where he managed to score a goal and provide two assists in five games.
Despite suffering a broken nose in France's first group-stage game against Austria, Mbappe helped Les Bleus reach the semifinal of the tournament, where they were knocked out by Spain.
Real Madrid would want to see Mbappe at his physical best when the season starts, and to that end, they have appointed Antonio Pintus, who also managed Cristiano Ronaldo. Pintus has become a legendary figure at the Santiago Bernabeu, with his expertise in physical fitness.
According to a report from AS, the fitness coach will use his "Pintus Method" on Mbappe. He also reportedly told the 25-year-old French World Cup winner (via Defensa Central):
Kylian, don't worry. We are going to put you at 100% after the wear and tear of the season and the Euro."
Defensa Central also notes that Carlo Ancelotti has been working alongside Pintus to formulate a plan that would hopefully improve Mbappe's fitness and form.
Former Argentina striker places Real Madrid winger ahead of Kylian Mbappe in Ballon d'Or rankings
There have been wide calls for Kylian Mbappe's new teammate Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or after the season he had at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, a sub-par finish with Brazil in Copa America has dulled these hopes.
Notably, Brazil crashed out of the quarter-finals against Uruguay, but the Madrid winger did not appear in that match, as he was suspended. However, despite failing to lift the trophy with the Selecao, former Argentina striker Sergio Aguero said of Vinicius (via Daily Post):
"Ballon d’Or? Viní Jr. didn’t disappear in Copa America. It’s just that Brazil are going through a tough time and he needs a good team."
He also compared the Real Madrid winger with Kylian Mbappe, adding:
“I look at the whole season, and Viní had an incredible season, this season, he was better than Mbappe. It doesn’t mean he’s a better player than Mbappe. But this season, he was better."
There have also been calls for England midfielder Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d'Or, thanks to his impressive debut season with Real Madrid. He has also helped England reach the final of Euro 2024.