Florentino Perez Defends Leadership and Calls for Elections
Florentino Perez, who has been president of Real Madrid since June 2009, held a tense press conference addressing the club's recent trophyless season. During the event, Perez engaged in heated exchanges with journalists and announced his intention to stand for re-election, challenging his critics to contest the presidency openly.
Following Real Madrid's defeat to Barcelona in the Clasico at Camp Nou, which secured Barcelona back-to-back La Liga titles with three games remaining, Perez spoke firmly to the press. At 79 years old, he declared:
"I'm here to say I'm not going anywhere and I'm here to stand for election."
He urged those opposing him to participate transparently in the electoral process rather than operate covertly through media channels:
"If someone does want to stand for election, this is your opportunity. But don't move in the shadows with publications, news outlets."
Addressing rumors about his health and capacity to lead, Perez stated:
"And I'm not in bed, unwell. I have to come out and sit here because as Real Madrid president, I can't allow journalists to do what they do."
Having previously served as president from 2000 to 2006, Perez reacted strongly to anonymous reports in the Spanish press suggesting he is too fatigued to fulfill his role. He demanded transparency from those spreading such claims:
"I work hard. I'm up early and I'm the last to go to bed. I understand there's frustration out there. But if people have forgotten, we have won 37 titles since I've been in charge. I would like to know the people who are saying these things. In these board of directors, I want whoever who is leaking this to come out."
Perez also criticized La Liga, accusing the organization of corruption and systematic issues:
"And of course, the enemy, La Liga. We have to battle against La Liga. Corruption in the game, systematic."
Despite recent challenges, Perez expressed confidence in his support among the club's members:
"I lead the biggest club in the world and you wouldn't imagine the praise I get. But 100,000 members are behind me and are very happy."
If re-elected, Perez is expected to work alongside Jose Mourinho, who is reportedly in final negotiations to return as head coach after previously managing the club from 2010 to 2013. When questioned about the managerial position, Perez declined to comment.
Earlier in the season, Perez dismissed Xabi Alonso from the head coach role, a position Alonso had been appointed to in January. His successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, is also unlikely to remain with the club.
Real Madrid is set to finish the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive year, having only secured the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Trophy in the 2024-25 season. The team was eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Bayern Munich, and the campaign has been marked by fan unrest, including criticism of star forward Kylian Mbappe's perceived lack of effort.
Additionally, internal tensions surfaced when midfielder Federico Valverde was hospitalized last month following a dressing room altercation with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.
In response to Perez's press conference, rivals Barcelona issued a statement indicating their legal department is reviewing his remarks and accusations, with further actions under consideration.
'No Ordinary Meeting' - Analysis
The press conference at Real Madrid's training ground was far from routine. Journalists were summoned on short notice, sparking speculation about a managerial announcement. However, the event, led personally by Perez, diverged from typical protocol where such news is released via official statements and organized press briefings.
Upon entering, Perez, equipped with his phone and prepared documents, launched into a lengthy and passionate address targeting the media, the league, and narratives surrounding both himself and the club. His demeanor was notably animated and confrontational, a side rarely seen in recent years.
Throughout the nearly 90-minute session, Perez read aloud excerpts from critical articles, directly naming and challenging newspapers. Journalists present responded assertively, revealing that the conference served not only to inform but also to confront and attempt to discredit specific media outlets.
Perez's message was unequivocal: he remains the definitive authority at Real Madrid, and until the club's leadership changes, major decisions, including the appointment of the next manager, rest with him. He rejected notions of ill health or fatigue, asserting his robust condition.
The tension escalated when Perez referenced an article by a female journalist, questioning her football knowledge, and then addressed a female reporter in the room with a controversial remark:
"Let's ask her, because you men are all ugly."
Following two years without major success, questions about Perez's future are intensifying as details about the upcoming elections circulate in Madrid. He projects unwavering confidence, claiming the full backing of the club's members and describing himself as "the greatest president" in Real Madrid's history.
However, after two seasons, three managerial changes, and no trophies, scrutiny from the Spanish press is expected to continue. Key questions remain: Have the members had enough? Is it time for change? And crucially, is Florentino Perez still the right leader for Real Madrid?
