Real Madrid News
Real Madrid considering major overhaul in the medical department
It has been a season to forget for Real Madrid as they will end another campaign without any major trophy.
A major blame has to fall on the administration for some strange decisions concerning recruitment and managerial appointments, while the players have been a major letdown on the pitch and in the locker room too.
Another major factor in the disappointing season has been injuries – several important players have missed stretches of season due to physical setbacks which has had a major impact on the performances and results.
Changes in the medical department
As such, The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are considering a major overhaul in the club’s medical department in the summer.
The spate of injuries this season, and certain cases like Eder Militao’s, who has had a relapse, have raised concerns behind the scenes at Valdebebas.
Before the latest setbacks to Militao, Arda Guler, and Kylian Mbappe, there were already considerations about making some changes to the medical department.
Now, as per the report, the latest injuries have strengthened the club’s resolve to follow through on it.
Real Madrid had already brought back Niko Mihic as their head of medical services earlier this year after he had been relieved of the duties back in 2023 but continued in an advisorial capacity.
Felipe Segura, who was in charge of the medical department under Xabi Alonso, remains at the club, but no longer in the lead role.
Now, the Spanish capital giants are considering the possibility of Mihic overseeing sweeping changes in the medical department before the start of the next season.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
