The Mbappé Plan: Real Madrid’s Secret to Improving the Entire Squad

Real Madrid is aligning with the recovery work Mbappé has been doing in recent weeks, which has put the striker in excellent physical condition.

The team faces the decisive stretch of the season after an inconsistent start, marked by injuries and a lack of regularity in gameplay. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has rebounded during these tough months and, although not at their best, has been competing at a respectable level. The last two matches (against Atlético and Manchester City) have served as the best proof of the group’s improvement.

Antonio Pintus has now entered a second physical phase with the players, where endurance becomes more important than power load. In fact, it’s evident that Madrid is finishing matches in better physical shape than their rivals, a result of this Italian expert’s plan, which, like with Kylian Mbappé, aims to physically improve the team from February onwards.

The demanding schedule for Madrid leaves little rest until the international break between March 17-25. Before then, the team will play in Pamplona (Saturday, 16:15), face City at the Bernabéu (February 19, 21:00), and Girona (February 23, 16:15), travel to San Sebastián for the Copa semifinal (February 26, 21:30), as well as visit Benito Villamarín, host Rayo, and travel to La Cerámica in matches that have yet to be scheduled.

The challenge lies in the fact that Ancelotti’s team will have to play two more games—one already played—compared to their direct rivals in the title race, Atlético and Barcelona. Madrid could face them in a possible Copa final, provided the latter teams manage to defeat Real Sociedad. This refers to the Champions League knockout games against City and the efforts they require, as seen on Tuesday at Etihad. However, the overall feeling is positive, and the club’s message is that players will be in better shape as the days pass.

Ancelotti Notices the Improvement
“We played a good game. We were dangerous, defended well. The win was deserved. We showed character, personality, and a solid defense… We need to stay calm,” said Ancelotti from Manchester in a Movistar interview. In the press conference, the usually reserved coach was visibly happier and praised the team’s great effort, stating they are on the right path to meet their objectives.

“It was a complete team performance. Offensively, we had doubts about whether we could maintain balance, and it’s clear that we can, as long as there’s sacrifice. Today, everyone sacrificed, and the quality is undeniable,” said the Madrid coach after defeating City at their home for the first time. “We are on the right path… the season truly starts now, and despite the difficulty, we achieved a very good result. Everything must be appreciated. The four defenders had never played together, and they hadn’t trained together either. They played exceptionally. Valverde, the center-backs, Mendy, Asensio continues to surprise… In an emergency, we brought out something good,” concluded Carletto.

The improvement is evident at Valdebebas and in the prestigious areas of the Bernabéu. The goal, at the very least, is to match last season’s success. This Madrid team, which started with doubts, can achieve that. Eliminating City would boost morale and, in addition to improving physical conditioning, would give the collective spirit a significant boost for future challenges.