Moroccan star Brahim Diaz caught the eye at Real Madrid training in Valdebebas this morning as he appeared wearing a special mask known as the Cosmed K5 under the supervision of renowned fitness coach Antonio Pintus.
Contrary to what many might think, these masks do not supply extra oxygen, but are advanced portable devices used to measure players’ respiratory capacity and metabolism under intense physical effort.
The demanding tests analyze levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, allowing the coaching staff to pinpoint each player’s aerobic and anaerobic thresholds with great precision and design tailored training loads to ensure they peak physically at the decisive stage of the season.
Diaz’s return to this kind of intense fitness work comes after his recent spell with the Moroccan national team and forms part of Real Madrid’s preparations for their upcoming La Liga fixture.
Pintus, nicknamed “the devil” by players, is known for his strict use of this technology, which simulates altitude training by regulating airflow and has already proven effective in reducing muscle injuries and boosting endurance in past seasons.
Although the players often feel uncomfortable wearing the masks due to the difficulty of breathing, Diaz and his teammates know they are “the secret” behind Real Madrid’s incredible physical strength in the final minutes of big matches.
