Real Madrid President Florentino Perez declined to address questions regarding the team’s on-field shortcomings during a press conference where he announced upcoming elections. In a rare interaction with the press, Perez spoke for an hour but did not provide insights on the potential successor to manager Alvaro Arbeloa or the reasons behind the club’s disappointing performance this season.
Perez not only called elections, but also disclosed that Real Madrid is preparing a 500-page dossier for UEFA that highlights alleged refereeing biases favoring Barcelona in relation to the Negreira case. He also took aim at the media, redirecting attention away from the recent incident involving players Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde, who both faced fines of €500k for their altercation.
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“I’ve fired three coaches in one season before, which isn’t a first. And it’s not unusual for players to have altercations; they do so every season due to their competitive nature. This year, however, it seems to have gained more attention, and we know who leaked the story. But nobody else has won seven European Cups, period.”
“Player altercations happen every season” – Perez
On Saturday, Arbeloa emphasized the focus should be on the individual who leaked the story instead of Valverde or Tchouameni. Perez acknowledged that such incidents are common at Valdebebas.
“I find it very inappropriate, especially that it was made public. Over my 26 years here, there hasn’t been a single year without a dispute between players, sometimes involving multiple players. It’s typical behavior. It’s wrong for anyone inside the club to leak this; fights happen every year. It’s just a part of being young and competitive.”
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“Those who leaked the details likely did it because they’re unhappy and worried about their future. I will not permit the chaos some are attempting to create. The act of leaking is even worse than the fight itself; they’ll resolve things and be friends the next day. It’s concerning to see something like this happen for the first time in my tenure.”
He expressed that the leak had been used to inaccurately portray the current atmosphere at Real Madrid, suggesting undue tension within the locker room.
“The media should understand that while fights happen, it doesn’t mean there is chaos within the club. These incidents occur quite frequently. It’s wrong to assume that just because two players fight, there’s a larger problem. They’re both exceptional athletes and good people. That kind of negativity is what damages Real Madrid, but I have often overlooked it over the years.”
Perez addresses player whistles and chants for his resignation
This season, the Santiago Bernabeu has reacted strongly to the team’s poor performances, with fans booing the players. For the first time in a decade, shouts of ‘Florentino, resign’ have emerged, which Perez attributed to a targeted campaign against him.
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“I’m very critical of our fans when it comes to the members of Real Madrid. They should support our players, not criticize or boo them. There are some negative influences in the club that we’ve been addressing since expelling the Ultras Sur. We’re cooperating with the police to monitor these groups and ensure they’re not present in the stadium. I’m glad that the Ultras have been kept out. It saddens me to see our players booed for making mistakes. Shouldn’t we support them instead? Is this a circus?”
“If Real Madrid performs poorly, booing is expected. However, there seems to be a campaign aimed at inciting fans to boo our players. It feels like booing your own children. This is stirred up by the Ultras and those unhappy with the current situation ahead of Thursdays’ match. If they want to chant against me, so be it; they should challenge me in the elections, which hasn’t happened before. I do what’s best for Real Madrid; my father instilled that in me from an early age.”
Perez declines to discuss the team’s future
With Arbeloa expected to step down as manager, options like Jose Mourinho emerging as a leading candidate, Perez refused to answer inquiries about future changes.
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“I didn’t anticipate that question. We’re not at that stage yet. My focus is on ensuring that Real Madrid remains with its members, who seem to wish to take control away from us. I want to discuss this directly with them and encourage them to share their contributions. It’s imperative to put a stop to the unreasonable campaign against Real Madrid. There has never been a more glorious Real Madrid. I’ve been recognized as the best president in the club’s history; something I feel modest about. Today, we’re not discussing football.”
“I will not comment on coaches or players. My priority is returning Real Madrid’s assets to its members; they are being taken from them. They want me out, but I’m not leaving. Instead, I will contest the elections to solidify that Real Madrid belongs to its members. I won’t engage in discussions about the sports aspect. Certain journalists are attempting to undermine the governance of Real Madrid. For those planning to run against me, let them step forward and do so openly — not behind closed doors.”
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At Real Madrid, Perez is primarily viewed as the decision-maker in critical matters, including team line-ups, yet he refuted these claims.
“When we win titles, we celebrate together, but I’m not the person solely responsible for the sporting decisions. I’m not often publicly vocal, even at my own company. I speak at general meetings, but that’s the extent of it. The club is what matters most. Why would I retreat because we finished second in the league? Just two years ago, we won both the league and the Champions League. Is what we’re experiencing this season normal? I must defend the club’s honor and state: we are proceeding with elections to uphold the members’ interests, not those of journalists or others. I welcome nominations.”
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The extraordinary press conference diverted attention away from Real Madrid’s trophyless season, marking a second consecutive year without significant titles. Perez, reflecting on his extensive experience over 26 years of leadership, conveyed a sense of unwavering confidence in his decision-making. However, the reaction from fans during the upcoming home match against Real Oviedo will serve as a critical test.