Florentino Pérez has emphasized that Real Madrid simply requires “a top-notch coach” to regain their former glory, highlighting José Mourinho as a suitable candidate. He believes the team possesses the talent to usher in “another very significant era in Real Madrid history.”
Real Madrid has experienced two consecutive seasons without securing a major trophy, with three different managers—Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, and Álvaro Arbeloa—failing to maximize the squad’s potential.
Earlier this month, Pérez called for elections and is now challenging rival Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first contested presidential election since 2006.
“[Kylian] Mbappé, Vinícius [Júnior], [Jude] Bellingham, [Arda] Güler, [Federico] Valverde, [Aurélien] Tchouameni… They are the best in the world,” Pérez stated in an interview with Spain’s national broadcaster TVE on Thursday. “A skilled coach guiding these players will lead to another highly significant period in Real Madrid’s history.”
When asked about Mourinho, who managed the club from 2010 to 2013, Pérez acknowledged, “He’s clearly a good coach.”
In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, Riquelme promised to reveal specific coach and player signings on Saturday, just ahead of the elections scheduled for Sunday, June 7.
Riquelme identified Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri as “the type of player that Real Madrid should pursue and sign.”
A pressing concern for Madrid’s president will be the future of Vinícius Júnior, whose contract is set to expire in 2027.
“I’m not sure if he’ll renew,” Pérez remarked during the TVE interview. “If it were up to me, I would want him to stay.”
– Real Madrid presidential candidate suggests Rodri as the ideal player for the club
– The impact of club elections on Mourinho’s potential return to Real Madrid
– Presidential candidate claims he has ‘two international stars’ to sign if elected
Pérez criticized Riquelme, suggesting that his proposed board includes individuals from Ramón Calderón’s presidency, which he labeled as “the darkest period in Real Madrid’s history,” spanning from 2006 to 2009, prior to Pérez’s return.
“I won’t engage in a debate with anyone,” Pérez said when asked if he would confront Riquelme publicly before the election. “He can say whatever he likes. I will clarify everything here.”