Antonio Pintus
"Before you all leave for the day, there's something important I need to add about Pintus' sessions," he said, his tone more serious now.
The student managers turned their focus back to him, eager to hear more.
"Now, I mentioned earlier that Pintus will be giving a special lecture on physical preparation in modern football. But I didn't tell you the full plan. There will be two lectures, not just one," Hamilton announced, pausing to let the news sink in.
Kay's eyebrows shot up in surprise. Two sessions with Pintus? That was even more than they had expected.
"The first lecture, as I've already mentioned, will focus on the evolution of fitness in football; how it's changed over the years, how the best players in the world maintain their physical condition, and what role fitness plays in a team's success. You'll hear about the methods Pintus used with Real Madrid and Juventus, and how physical training has become more scientific and data-driven. He'll talk about how to tailor fitness programs to different players based on their roles in the team."
Hamilton then added, "But it's the second lecture that I think you'll find just as valuable, if not more. The second one will dive deeper into a crucial aspect of football fitness: stamina and injury prevention."
The room grew even quieter as the students leaned in, listening intently.
"Pintus will explain the science behind building a player's stamina to ensure they can maintain a high level of performance throughout the entire 90 minutes of a match. One of the biggest challenges a team faces is keeping the players performing at the same rhythm from the first minute to the last, without that inevitable drop in energy or sharpness. A fitness coach plays a key role in preventing those dips in intensity, and Pintus will be showing you exactly how it's done."
Kay's mind began racing. He had seen countless matches where players started strong but faded as the game wore on.
That was something he had struggled with at Starlight FC. Some of his players couldn't keep up the pace for the full match, and he had been forced to make substitutions earlier than he'd liked. That was clear in his match against Watford FC and Busquets.
Hearing how to maintain high performance across the entire game could give him a huge advantage in future coaching opportunities.
"And of course, we can't talk about physical fitness without discussing injury prevention. Pintus will explain how a well-rounded fitness regime not only enhances a player's stamina but also reduces the risk of injuries. You've seen it yourselves, players missing key matches because of muscle strains, ligament issues, or fatigue. With the right fitness training, many of these injuries can be avoided, which improves the manager's flexibility in the tactics making."
"Make sure you're prepared for these lectures, you'll have the chance to ask questions, so think carefully about what you want to learn from someone like Pintus. This is a rare opportunity to gain insights directly from a coach who has worked at the highest level of football."
Then Hamilton ended the session with a last announcement, "You'll have one lecture by day, so tomorrow will be the first one, and the last one will be the day after."
Kay spent the evening going over the questions he had for Antonio Pintus, thinking back on the challenges he'd faced while managing Starlight FC and Eagles' academy.
Fitness had always been a key concern, especially in keeping his players energetic throughout the full 90 minutes and avoiding injuries.
He scribbled down ideas, recalling specific matches where fatigue or injuries had affected the quality of his play.
Kay wanted to make the most of his opportunity with Pintus, someone who had coached elite teams like Real Madrid and Juventus.
The chance to ask for advice directly from one of the best fitness coaches in the world was not something to be taken lightly.
The next day, Kay and the other student managers were buzzing with anticipation, chatting quietly about what they hoped to learn from Pintus.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Hamilton walked in, followed closely by Antonio Pintus himself.
Pintus looked just like Kay had imagined. He was in his late fifties but had an athletic build that spoke to years of dedication to fitness.
He wore a simple tracksuit, giving off an air of quiet confidence. His face was lined with experience, but his eyes were sharp and full of energy.
Despite his impressive career, there was a calm, approachable demeanor about him that Kay hadn't expected.
For a moment, Kay felt a strange sensation, seeing a man who had always been a figure on television, now standing right there in front of him.
He had watched interviews and seen Pintus on the sidelines of the world's biggest matches, but this was different.
This was real. It made Kay feel awestruck but reminded him of the gap between him and someone like Busquets.
When he glanced over at Busquets, he noticed that his classmate remained completely unfazed, as if this was just another day for him.
Busquets had been around top football figures his entire career; this was nothing new to him.
As Pintus entered the room, he greeted the student managers warmly. "Good morning, everyone," he said with a slight Italian accent, his voice steady but kind.
"I'm happy to be here and share with you what I've learned over the years. Fitness in football is something I'm very passionate about, and I hope today will be valuable for all of you."
Pintus' friendly tone immediately struck Kay. Given the high level of professionalism surrounding his career, he had expected someone a bit more distant or stern. But Pintus was approachable, almost humble.
Pintus stood in front of the class, his posture relaxed yet commanding, as he prepared to deliver his lecture.
The room fell silent, everyone in the class was ready to absorb everything this experienced coach would share with them.
Kay had his pen poised over his notebook, ready to capture every important detail.
Then Pintus began his lecture, "Fitness, is not just about running faster or being stronger. In modern football, it's about maintaining a high level of intensity, precision, and endurance from the first minute to the last. If your players are physically prepared, it gives you an edge, and as a manager, you can make tactical decisions knowing your players can execute them fully."
Kay quickly scribbled this down. He could tell that Pintus was speaking from years of experience, not just theory.
"In the past, fitness was seen as a separate aspect of football, but now, it's integrated into every part of the game. When we train players, we don't just focus on building muscle or improving stamina, we train them to play within the system, to keep their focus and energy high while executing tactics. Fitness is connected to tactics, mental sharpness, and even recovery. A fit player doesn't just last 90 minutes; they can think clearly, make the right decisions, and push through difficult moments in a match."
"At the highest levels, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to small margins. A player who can sprint in the 89th minute as fast as they did in the 9th is a player who gives their team that edge. Fitness is about consistency. You don't want players who play well for 60 minutes and then disappear. You want players who can keep their level high throughout the match."
The student managers listened intently. Kay could see now the importance of combining fitness and tactics to create a seamless performance over the full match.
See you in the next chapter...
- - - - Author's note - - - - -
Hey everyone!
With that, the guest's identity is revealed and that is Antonio Pintus.
What do you think about this choice, and do you have any suggestions for future guests?
Write your suggestions in the comments.