Real Madrid President Florentino Perez opted not to address the team’s on-pitch struggles during a press conference called to announce club elections. In an unusual public appearance, Perez spoke with the press for an hour, but avoided questions regarding potential managerial changes or the reasons behind the season’s disappointing performance.
Beyond announcing elections, Perez revealed Real Madrid’s preparation of a 500-page report for UEFA concerning perceived refereeing bias against the club, particularly in light of the Negreira case and alleged favoritism towards Barcelona. He also strongly criticized the media and downplayed a recent physical altercation between Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde, who were each fined €500k.
“I’ve dismissed three coaches in one year, which isn’t the first time. And it’s not the first time two players have fought; they clash every season due to their competitive nature. What’s different this year is that it’s being publicized for the first time, and we know who leaked the story. However, no one else has won seven European Cups,” Perez stated.
“Players clash every season” – Perez
Perez indicated that the leak of the fight was more concerning than the incident itself, emphasizing that such altercations are common at the club’s training facilities.
“I believe it’s very wrong, and I think it’s even worse that it’s been made public. I’ve been here for 26 years, and not a single year has passed without two players… or even four of them… fighting. But I think it’s highly inappropriate that it’s being leaked from within the club. They’ve clashed every year I’ve been here. It’s like young people; one pushes, the other pushes back, and then they’re friends again.”
“Those who leaked it did so because they are unhappy and believe they will be fired. I will not permit the chaos that some have attempted to create. For me, the leak is more damaging because it suggests something more than just a fight; the next day they are friends and having coffee. I believe this is the first time I’ve witnessed anything like this in my 26 years here, and that also concerns me. The leak is worse, I think it’s worse; in my 26 years as president, this is the first time I’ve seen anything like this.”
He suggested that the fight was exploited to unfairly portray internal issues and tension within Real Madrid this season.
“The press needs to analyze what it is, but they shouldn’t claim that just because two individuals fight, it signifies chaos at Real Madrid. They fight every year. In fact, they fight daily. And that’s where it ends. If someone within the club makes it public, it’s worse than the fight itself. They are two exceptional individuals, by the way, and very good. That was terrible, that’s what destroys Real Madrid, it cannot be tolerated… Well, I tolerated it for over 20 years and nothing happened.”
Florentino Perez criticizes player whistling and chants against him
On several occasions this season, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd has reacted negatively to Real Madrid’s subpar performances, whistling the players. For the first time in a decade, chants of ‘Florentino, resign’ have also been heard at the Bernabeu, which Perez attributed to a “campaign against him.”
“I have a lot of self-criticism for the members. Real Madrid members should not criticize or boo their players. They should support them. But there are also bad apples within the club, whom we’ve identified ever since we expelled the Ultras Sur. And then there are the ticket scalpers. We are working with the police, keeping an eye on the ultras, who will not be allowed into the stadium. I am receiving congratulations from all over because the ultras are not entering the stadium. They want to get rid of us. It pains me to see them booing a player for a mistake. They should be there to support them. But what is this, a Roman circus or something?”
“If Real Madrid plays poorly, they can be booed all they want. But there’s a movement to get people who are angry because they’re playing badly to boo. If it’s our players, it’s like booing our own children. It’s all influenced by the ultras, by this Amber movement, who are stirring things up for Thursday’s match. Let them chant ‘Florentino resign.’ Let them go to these elections and challenge me, which they’ve never done before. I do what’s best for Real Madrid; I have to defend Real Madrid, that’s what my father taught me from a very young age.”
Perez refuses to answer questions on the team’s future
With Alvaro Arbeloa expected to depart as senior manager, Jose Mourinho is a strong favorite to take over, but Perez declined to comment on any upcoming changes.
“I didn’t think they would ask me about that. We are not at that stage of the process. We are at the point of ensuring that Real Madrid belongs to its members, who are trying to take it away from us. I want to discuss this with them and have them come forward. I am going to ask them what they have done with Real Madrid in their lives. I have to put an end to this absurd campaign against Real Madrid. There has never been a more glorious Real Madrid. I have been elected the best president in the history of the club, and of all clubs, which I’m ashamed to say. We are not talking about football today.”
“I am not going to talk about coaches or players. I am here to return Real Madrid’s assets to its members. They are taking them away from the members. They want me to leave, but I am not going to leave. Instead, I am going to run in the elections because I want to defend the idea that Real Madrid should continue to belong to its members. I will not talk about the sporting side. Some journalists want to bring down the ownership of Real Madrid. Those who want to run, let them know, it’s their chance, but they shouldn’t talk behind people’s backs. I hear all sorts of things.”
At Real Madrid, Perez is widely perceived as the ultimate decision-maker, even influencing team selections. However, Perez denied this.
“When we win a league title, we celebrate, but I am not the one in charge of the sporting side of things. I don’t usually speak, not even at my company. I have to speak at the general meeting, but that’s it. The club is the most important thing. Why would I disappear? Just because we finish second in the league? The players are the stars. Two years ago, we won the league and the Champions League. Do you think this season is normal? I have to come out and defend the club, and I will say it: we are going to call elections, and we are running to defend the interests of the members, not journalists and other people. I invite them to nominate me.”
The extraordinary press conference shifted the focus away from Real Madrid’s trophyless season, marking a second consecutive year without a major trophy. Perez, highlighting his 26-year tenure, implied his decision-making was beyond reproach, despite claiming limited responsibility for the “sporting side of things.” The reaction from the Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s home game against Real Oviedo on Thursday will be the next critical juncture.
