Real Madrid strengthens its medical team with Alexandre Creuzé, until now head physician of Monaco, to curb the wave of 52 injuries from last season.
Real Madrid has announced the signing of Alexandre Creuzé, head physician of Monaco, as the new head of the first team's medical department. The 45-year-old French specialist joins to reinforce the medical area after a season marked by 52 injuries in the white squad. Creuzé will work under the supervision of Dr. Niko Mihic, the club's chief medical officer, with whom he has previously collaborated.
A strategic signing for the white medical team
Creuzé, considered one of the best doctors in French professional football, arrives from Monaco, where he has worked since 2018. Previously, he developed his career at the Girondins de Bordeaux Academy. His arrival aims to stitch up the injury haemorrhage that has affected the team in recent campaigns. In Valdebebas, he will reunite with Aurélien Tchouameni, whom he treated at Monaco.
The new doctor replaces Felipe Segura, who was let go by the club at the end of last season. Additionally, he will need to coordinate with António Dias, known as 'Pintus' from Mourinho's time, who is debuting as the head of physical preparation for the first team. Both have work ahead to reduce the injury figures from last season.
According to club sources, Creuzé speaks Spanish efficiently, which will facilitate his integration into the coaching staff and with the players. His relationship with Mihic, with whom he founded the Sports Doctor Network, will be key to implementing new medical protocols.
52 injuries in a season to forget
Last season, Real Madrid recorded 52 injuries in the first team, resulting in 1,362 days out and 263 matches lost. Coaches, from Xabi Alonso to Arbeloa, suffered the consequences of having to constantly reshuffle line-ups. Only two starting elevens were repeated, and 13 different centre-back pairings were used.
Only Vinicius, Fran García, Gonzalo, and Brahim managed to avoid the Valdebebas infirmary. For Madrid fans, this situation has been a cause for concern, as injuries affected the team's performance in key competitions. With Creuzé's arrival, an improvement in the prevention and recovery of players is expected.
The new head physician will have the mission of implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce absences, with special attention to players more prone to muscle injuries. Neighbours in the Valdebebas area, where the sports city is located, have already seen an increase in activity at the medical facilities.
A luxury reinforcement for the coaching staff
Alexandre Creuzé not only brings his experience from Monaco but also his network of international contacts. Sports Doctor Network, the organisation he co-founded with Mihic, connects sports medicine specialists from around the world. This will allow Real Madrid to access the latest advancements in injury treatment.
The French doctor has excelled in professional football for his ability to reduce recovery times and prevent relapses. At Monaco, he was responsible for placing the club at the elite level in terms of player care. Now, he will have to replicate that success in as demanding an environment as Real Madrid.
For the club's supporters, this signing represents a ray of hope after a disastrous year of injuries. Fans hope that the new medical duo, along with physical trainer António Dias, will keep the team in top physical condition throughout the season. Next season, Real Madrid will aim to compete in La Liga, Champions League, and Cup without the infirmary being a burden.
Creuzé's incorporation became effective this week, and the doctor has already begun working in Valdebebas. His first major challenge will be the pre-season, where he must assess the physical condition of the squad and design a plan for injury prevention. The players, for their part, have received the news with optimism, according to sources from the locker room.
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