Man Utd Coach Faces Transfer Struggles, Reveals Botox Use and Daily Sit-ups
Manchester United’s coach Jonathan Woodgate recently shared insights about his challenging experience as a player at Real Madrid. He described his tenure there as a “failure,” highlighting the struggles caused by injuries and a lack of playing time.
Jonathan Woodgate’s Real Madrid Journey
Woodgate, who turned 45 this week, joined Real Madrid in a shocking £13.4 million transfer from Newcastle. His time in Spain was marred by fitness issues, limiting him to just 14 appearances over two seasons. Woodgate has reflected on this period, admitting that it has affected him deeply.
Reflecting on His ‘Failure’
During his appearance on the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast, Woodgate said: “Failure is the one word I’d use about Madrid. I didn’t win any trophies there and I hardly played.” Despite joining the “biggest team in the world,” he felt his body let him down.
Injury Challenges and Recovery Attempts
Woodgate revealed that persistent back problems led to additional injuries, complicating his recovery. Real Madrid attempted various methods to heal him, including daily exercises. Woodgate stated, “In Madrid, I was doing 1,000 sit-ups a day trying to strengthen my core and my back.” He expressed doubts about the effectiveness of this regimen.
- Daily exercises: 1,000 sit-ups
- Physiotherapy treatments
- Botox and injections
- Unconventional methods (e.g., wrapping grass around his leg)
Despite these efforts, he ultimately sought help from his physiotherapist in Leeds, who successfully rehabilitated him. Woodgate recounted moments of disbelief at Real Madrid’s approach to his recovery, wondering if the club doubted the severity of his injuries.
Return to English Football
In the summer of 2006, Woodgate left Madrid, joining his boyhood club Middlesbrough. Shortly after his departure, the team secured the La Liga title, a moment he confessed was devastating for him. However, his return to English football rejuvenated his career, leading him back to the England squad.
Today, as part of Michael Carrick’s coaching staff at Manchester United, Woodgate continues to share his journey, using his experiences to influence the next generation of players.
