'They have their own mental coaches': how Real Madrid's squad are psychologically supported

Ahead of the Champions League final, a look back at my interview - discussing Real Madrid's approach to sport psychology - with assistant coach Davide Ancelotti

In the summer of 2022, I interviewed Davide Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s current assistant manager. The discussion formed part of an article on elite clubs’ evolving approach to sports psychology, but - predominantly due to word count restrictions - I wasn’t able to publish a fuller account of our chat.

Two years on, with Ancelotti continuing to play a crucial role in helping the Spanish giants to the brink of European glory, the complete transcript still offers valuable insight into how Madrid’s coaching staff - and those outside the club - psychologically support one of the most decorated first team squads in world football.

So, from his early experience of AC Milan’s ‘Mind Room’ (the inspiration for this newsletter) to his time at the Bernabeu, here’s an extended rundown on my conversation with one of the most interesting young coaches in European football.