La Liga
Life Under Lopetegui: Madrid’s New Training Routine
It’s been two months since Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane made his shocking announcement stepping down as coach. With the Frenchman’s resignation, a dramatic sequence of events quickly followed.
At-the-time Spain coach Julen Lopetegui was announced to take over after the World Cup. He was subsequently fired for doing so and then presented as new Madrid coach. All this taking place within the span of only 48 hours.
Difference In Style
At the moment, Lopetegui has already had a full month of training with his new players. According to MARCA’s Hugo Cerezo, there are already notable differences between the Spanish coach and his French predecessor. Communication, it seems, being the most obvious.
Whether it be an intentional effort to be more relational or a difference in personality, Lopetegui simply talks to his players more.
Of course, all the players attending early training would have been second choice last season and will appreciate the increase in attention. For example, Ceballos, Theo, Mayoral, Vallejo and Llorente all speak favorably of their new manager.
Most noteworthy is the strong Spanish core that Lopetegui will have within his squad. In addition to the four names above will soon be Ramos, Carvajal, Isco, Asensio, Vazquez and Nacho. It seems that most of the new communication will happen in Spanish.
Fitness
Physical preparation is also reportedly different at Valdebebas, the name for ‘Los Blancos’ training facility.
Pintus, fitness coach under Zidane, has continued on with the club, but not certain of his methods. Players apparently now spend more time on the pitch and in the gym. Conversely, as much as half hour was spent running laps and stairs in previous years.
It is rumored none of the players will miss the extra fitness routines under the French manager.
Conclusion
For the most part, the current European champions can feel optimistic with the new manager’s first month. Despite that, no one can have doubts about the success of the methods of the Spanish club’s previous coach.
Indeed, some may worry about switching up the training routine that contributed to 3 Champion’s League trophies in as many years. Lopetegui’s style will be fully on trial when Real take on Getafe in match-day one of La Liga the 8th of August.
