Real Madrid president Florentino Perez delivers fiery comments during a recent Spanish TV appearance, defending star forward Kylian Mbappe, dismissing Jose Mourinho rumors, and teasing a potential summer pursuit of Erling Haaland.
Alleged Media Campaign Against Real Madrid
Perez reiterates claims of an organized media effort targeting the club. ‘I know the journalists involved in this orchestrated campaign,’ he states. ‘They think they can influence Real Madrid. I don’t speak to journalists because I’m very busy.’
During a midweek news conference at the training center, following a 2-0 loss to Barcelona that handed the Catalans their second straight La Liga title, Perez confronts reporters. He accuses some journalists of aiming to destroy Real Madrid and calls for club elections. ‘This is the opportunity I am giving them,’ he declares, urging opponents to challenge him and the board.
Transfer Window Teasers
On potential signings, Perez plays coy about Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, whose contract runs until 2034. ‘Is Haaland impossible to sign? I don’t know,’ he remarks mischievously.
He expresses admiration for Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal but rules out any deal. ‘Of course I like him. How could I not? But with the situation we have with Barca now… I don’t want to have any relationship with a club that has paid off referees for two decades,’ Perez explains.
Manager and Player Relations
Perez distances himself from speculation linking him to Benfica’s Jose Mourinho, whom he managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. ‘I like all the coaches. He was with us, he raised our competitiveness. It’s not true that I choose the coaches,’ he says. ‘How tiresome with Mourinho (questions).’
Addressing his dynamic with Mbappe, Perez notes, ‘I don’t speak to Mbappe. I greet the players at training.’ He praises the French striker as Real Madrid’s top performer and recent Golden Boot winner. ‘He’s scored a lot of goals,’ Perez adds.
Regarding recent dressing room tensions, including an incident where Federico Valverde suffered a head injury requiring hospital treatment after a clash with Aurelien Tchouameni, Perez insists such matters remain internal. ‘It should stay in the locker room,’ he states. ‘Now they’re saying it’s chaos. I’m not going to analyse it.’
