Real Madrid News
Ancelotti demands a new physical training plan at Real Madrid as Liverpool threat looms
According to journalists Sergio Gomez and Alfredo Matilla, as replayed by Madrid Xtra, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear that significant changes are necessary in the team’s physical conditioning.
During this international break, he has requested a complete overhaul of the current physical training plan. The demand comes as a direct response to the club’s recent struggles and concerns over their preparedness for the future.
A phrase circulating among the club’s staff has caught attention: “Either we raise our level, or Liverpool will sweep us away.”
Improvement needed
While Real Madrid enjoyed success against Osasuna, the staff is aware that improvements are needed. The aim is not to create a mini pre-season, but rather to refocus and introduce serious physical work during what is typically a period for rest and recovery.
Ancelotti has begun this with the seven players who are currently available, with many others still away on international duty. Over time, he plans to expand the changes to include the entire squad, which many players are reportedly welcoming.
One major factor contributing to the shift in approach is the growing dissatisfaction with Antonio Pintus, the club’s fitness coach. His reputation has taken a hit, with several senior players in the dressing room questioning his methods.
The team’s injury woes have been hard to ignore, with 25 injuries recorded since the start of the pre-season.
Troubling data for Real Madrid
Additionally, data indicates that Madrid has been consistently outpaced by their rivals. In recent matches, they ran fewer kilometres than their opponents, including a significant deficit against Barcelona in their loss.
This decline in physical performance, combined with injuries, has prompted Ancelotti to act. He is looking for a new dynamic within the team, where players are more connected and work together in harmony.
The plan is to lay the groundwork for a more effective and united squad during this break, preparing for the challenges ahead.
After the international break, Real Madrid will face some tough fixtures, including matches against Leganes, Liverpool, Getafe, Athletic Bilbao, and Girona. The team’s physical condition will play a crucial role in determining how they perform in these key encounters.
According to TeamTalk, Real Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs monitoring Gabriel Rajkovic, a 15-year-old winger whose rapid development at Valerenga has already attracted attention from several of Europe’s leading sides.
The Merengues are known for keeping an eye on exciting young talent across the globe and it seems that Rajkovic’s exploits in Norway, with the first team, have alerted them.
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Rajkovic
As per the report, Real Madrid are among a host of clubs closely following the progress of the young forward.
Rajkovic holds both Norwegian and Serbian nationality and has emerged as one of the most promising young players in Norway.
His development has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund also understood to be monitoring him.
However, at this point, it is Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be leading the charge for Rajkovic, having compiled a detailed dossier on the teenage prodigy after extensive scouting.
On top of that, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all watched Rajkovic in recent weeks.
Real Madrid could therefore face significant competition if they decide to step up their interest in a player who has already made an impression at senior level.
Making an impact at just 15
Rajkovic was handed a promotion to the Valerenga first-team squad in January earlier this year, when he was only 14 years old.
Following that, he signed a new contract with the club in March, when he turned 15, committing to the club until 2028.
Despite being only 15, the winger has already begun gaining experience in first-team football. In all, he has made 14 senior appearances for the Norwegian outfit, scoring three and assisting one goal.
Rajkovic has also represented Norway Under-16s, making two appearances and scoring once despite being younger than many of his teammates.
Those numbers become more impressive when his age and stage of development are taken into account.
Real Madrid have built a reputation for identifying young talent well before players reach their peak, and Rajkovic has now emerged as another name on their scouting radar.
But given the number of clubs in the race, signing the teenage wonderkid will not be easy.
