​Jose Mourinho would have to address a range of challenges if he aims to steer Real Madrid toward peak performance as the 2026-27 season approaches. Balancing the attacking firepower of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe so they can complement each other, ensuring the midfield provides ample creative thrust, and tightening the defense to avoid conceding needless opportunities would be among the top tasks facing him. Another major area of concern would be the club’s ongoing struggles with injuries and physical issues. Last season, Los Blancos endured a staggering 52 injuries to first-team players, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to their failure to clinch major silverware in the past two campaigns.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid appear determined to address this problem and are already implementing changes aimed at reducing it. According to Diario AS, the club has made a pivotal addition to its medical staff by appointing Dr. Alexandre Creuze, formerly the head physician at AS Monaco. Creuze will oversee the medical care of the first team and will operate under Dr. Niko Mihic, who remains the chief medical authority at the club. The two doctors share a close professional relationship and are among the founding members of an international network of some of the most eminent specialists in sports medicine. Creuze’s appointment signals Real Madrid’s commitment to strengthening the medical department and mitigating injury risk across the squad.
The newly recruited doctor has spent his entire professional career in France, beginning at the Girondins de Bordeaux academy before joining Monaco in 2018. During his time with Monaco, he established a reputation as one of the leading physicians in French and European football. Moving to Real Madrid represents the biggest challenge of his career to date. At 45 years old, he brings a combination of youthful energy and extensive experience, which the club hopes will translate into improved player availability and performance levels. If Creuze can help stem the tide of injuries that has afflicted the Merengue in recent years, it could prove to be a vital step in restoring consistency and success to the squad.
This strategic strengthening of the medical staff, led by Creuze alongside Mihic, reflects Real Madrid’s broader plan to protect key players and optimize recovery protocols. The club is expected to implement advanced prevention programs, more personalized rehabilitation regimens, and data-driven monitoring to detect and manage potential issues before they derail campaigns. As the squad evolves to contend with the demands of a high-intensity style and an increasingly crowded fixture schedule, having a robust medical framework will be essential to sustaining performance over a grueling season.
In summary, the path to Real Madrid returning to their previous heights will require a holistic approach: tactical alignment that harmonizes the talents of Vinicius Junior and Mbappe, sufficient creative input from the midfield, a tighter defensive organization, and, crucially, a fortified medical operation to minimize injuries. The appointment of Dr. Alexandre Creuze as first-team physician, reporting to Dr. Niko Mihic, represents a significant step in that broader strategy. If the club can integrate these changes successfully, Madrid may well reduce the disruption caused by injuries and close the gap to competing for major trophies once again.