Real Madrid have parted ways with Chief Medical Officer Niko Mihic after six years together. The Croatian was reportedly close with president Florentino Perez and the Croatian players at the club such as Luka Modric. But, his handling of several injuries – in particular, that of Arda Güler, proved to be the last straw that forced the club to dismiss him.
Los Blancos have suffered from an injury crisis for the last few seasons, with several players sidelined throughout their campaigns. Moreover, the discrepancies and disagreements over treatment procedures resulted in the club choosing to find a new person to better handle their first team.
Niko Mihic dismissed by Real Madrid after 6 years
Last season, recurring injuries to Karim Benzema, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos caused a significant amount of frustration behind the scenes. Things didn’t start off positively this season either, with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao both suffering ACL injuries that have ruled them out for the 22/23 season altogether.
Moreover, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham and Güler continue to be ruled out through minor injuries. Full-backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy have also spent significant time sidelined, even though they have now returned.
Niko Mihic was unable to get Arda Güler fit to participate in the first team after he joined from Fenerbahce this summer. He was initially dealing with a meniscus injury, but has suffered several muscle injury setbacks that have further delayed his debut.
In spite of the injuries, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are second in LaLiga and remain in contention for the title.