Antwerp, Belgium – In a move signaling a commitment to continued improvement despite recent internal changes, members of the Real Madrid medical team have spent two days in Antwerp, Belgium, exchanging expertise with Lieven Maesschalck and his staff. The visit comes after a period of upheaval within the Spanish club’s medical department, with several staff members recently dismissed following scrutiny over the handling of player injuries, most notably that of Kylian Mbappé.
The delegation from Madrid included José Carlos García Parrales and Ruben Cipriano, who engaged in detailed discussions with Maesschalck’s team, focusing on methodologies and approaches to player rehabilitation. Maesschalck, sharing images from the visit on Instagram, described the exchange as “enriching,” stating they shared “our methods of perform, our way of thinking, our approach to rehabilitation… We push each other to progress. By combining our experiences, new perspectives emerge and standards are raised.”
This collaboration isn’t entirely new. Maesschalck has a prior working relationship with Real Madrid, having served as an external consultant for the club in the past. The current visit, however, takes on added significance given the recent criticisms leveled at the Real Madrid medical staff. The situation surrounding Mbappé’s knee injury, in particular, sparked considerable debate and ultimately contributed to the restructuring of the department.
Reports earlier this month indicated a persistent issue with Mbappé’s knee, leading to speculation about misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Mbappé himself addressed these concerns, stating via reports, “This information is incorrect. I am perhaps partly responsible, as a lack of precise communication about my injury can exit room for interpretation. With Real Madrid, communication has always been clear.” He further clarified that he sought a second opinion from specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet in France, leading to a new rehabilitation program designed to avoid surgery.
The decision to restructure the medical team followed these developments, with several members being let go. While the club has not publicly detailed the reasons for the dismissals, the timing strongly suggests a response to the concerns raised about player care and injury management. The visit to Antwerp, can be viewed as a proactive step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring the highest standards of medical support for the team.
José Carlos García Parrales, who participated in the exchange, has a documented history in football medicine. According to Transfermarkt, Parrales served as a rehab coach for Real Madrid during the 2011-2012 season, and previously held a similar role at Atlético Madrid for nearly a decade, from 2000 to 2010. His experience will likely be valuable as Real Madrid seeks to refine its medical protocols.
The focus on collaboration and shared learning highlights a growing trend in elite sports, where clubs are increasingly willing to seek external expertise and adopt best practices from around the world. This approach recognizes that player health and performance are paramount, and that continuous improvement requires a willingness to challenge existing methods and embrace new ideas. The exchange in Antwerp represents a tangible example of this philosophy in action.
For Real Madrid, the immediate priority remains the health and availability of key players, particularly Mbappé, as they push for success in both La Liga and the Champions League. The club will be hoping that the insights gained from this collaboration will contribute to a more robust and effective medical program, minimizing the risk of future injuries and maximizing the potential of their star-studded squad.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Real Madrid is their upcoming La Liga match against Cádiz on April 5th. The club will likely provide an update on Mbappé’s condition and his availability for the match in the days leading up to the fixture.
What are your thoughts on Real Madrid’s approach to addressing the issues within their medical department? Share your opinions in the comments below.
