Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager at the beginning of the summer, and it was always important that he forged good relationships with the backroom staff.
A couple of days ago, it was revealed that the Portuguese tactician and Antonio Pintus are set to work together at Real Madrid after reaching a shared understanding over how their responsibilities can benefit the first team.
According to Diario AS, neither Mourinho nor Pintus imposed conditions on the other before beginning the partnership.
Their collaboration has been built through direct discussion and a mutual belief that combining their work can help Madrid improve.
Pintus retains his wider club role
Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid CF interacts with Antonio Pintus
Pintus will retain his role in the new look technical setup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Pintus had already defined responsibilities within Real Madrid as the general coordinator of physical performance across the club’s teams and age groups.
That position extends beyond the senior squad, which makes the new arrangement especially important.
He is not simply returning to a traditional role under the first-team coach, but bringing his broader physical-performance work into closer contact with Mourinho’s plans.
There is no hidden power struggle behind the decision. Mourinho and Pintus have instead agreed that working together can serve the first team better than operating separately.
Mourinho values physical authority
For Mourinho, the partnership makes clear sporting sense.
His teams have always depended on structure, intensity and players being physically ready to carry out demanding tactical instructions.
Pintus brings profound knowledge of Madrid, their squad and the physical standards required across a long season.
That experience should help Mourinho manage workloads while still maintaining the intensity he expects in training and matches.
There will naturally be interest in how authority is divided, especially because both men have strong reputations and clear ideas.
Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Mourinho is clear about his authority in the team. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
However, there is no doubt that Jose is the captain of the ship, and it is he who will call the shots should it come to it.
A sensible move for Real Madrid
From a Madrid perspective, that is encouraging. The club do not need internal tension between major figures at the start of a new cycle.
They need clear communication and a united plan. The partnership could also be valuable in injury prevention, recovery work and preparing players for the physical demands of multiple competitions.
Mourinho will set the direction, while Pintus can provide detailed support around performance and conditioning.
Real Madrid’s standards leave little room for departments working in isolation. It is quite welcome that both Jose and Pintus understand that.
The real test will come during the season, but the foundation is in place. It remains to be seen whether Mourinho and Pintus can ensure that the numerous injury issues of recent seasons do not creep back into the 2026-27 campaign.