Former Real Madrid physical fitness coach: 39-year-old Modric can play 30 games in a single season, which will surprise Milan fans

The news that AC Milan signed the 39-year-old midfielder legend Modric is still sparking heated discussions in the football world. Faced with the outside world's doubts about the age of Croatian stars, former Real Madrid meritorious physical coach Giovanni Mauri, who has worked with him for five years, gave authoritative insights in an interview with the Milan Sports Daily.

"Modric has extremely high physical parameters. Judging from the physiological indicators, he seems to be ten years younger," Mauri made no secret of his appreciation for Modric in an interview. As the physical coach of Ancelotti's long-term cooperation, Mauri fought side by side with Modric at Real Madrid from 2012 to 2017, witnessing the golden years of the midfield master. Mauri revealed that in Real Madrid's locker room, Modric has a well-known nickname - "Professor". "He is a well-deserved top student and an all-round leader," recalled Mauri. "His running ability is particularly impressive."

Facing the core concerns of "how to manage a 40-year-old player" in the outside world, Mauri, with rich experience, gave a professional answer. He was responsible for managing physical training at the end of Maldini's career. "Football is a high-intensity consuming sport. Players will lose their strength and the game burden is too heavy," Mauri admitted. "For Modric, there will be no ties to the domestic cup," he predicted: "If he is in good health, he can play at least 30 games this season, and maybe even more."

Mauri emphasized that the key lies in personalized and refined management plans. "The training plan must be tailored for him to reduce the excessive consumption of absolute strength, and instead focus on high-intensity and high-focusing training content to control the total amount of training," he explained. "The core is to ensure the physical condition and the feeling of the game."

Mauri specifically pointed out a unique advantage of Modric: as the game deepens, his performance often goes up to the level. "I have been paying attention to him over the years and found that in the second half of the game, he was more active, more decisive, and his mind was extremely clear." This ability to control the overall situation in the second half of key battles such as the Champions League is a valuable asset that Milan values.

Mauri is confident in Modric's prospects in Milan. "He has clear goals and firm will. Once he sets his goals, he will definitely achieve them. I believe he can even conquer Allegri." He also believes that Milan coach Allegri has the experience and ability to manage superstars. Mauri compared Modric with Lampard, who had worked with him in the past, highlighting his core value: "Lampard is the kind of player who can change the balance on the court. Whether in training or game, it is completely different with him. Modric will also play the same role in Milan - a key gentleman who can 'change the balance'."

From Real Madrid's "Professor" to Milan's "Key Mr.", the 39-year-old Modric will start a new adventure in the Apennines. With the dual blessing of scientific management and his professional qualities, the midfield artist's red and black movement has just played the overture.