This was no ordinary meeting at Real Madrid’s training ground. Journalists were summoned at short notice, and speculation immediately began.
An announcement regarding a new manager seemed the most logical explanation, especially given what sources close to the club had suggested. But if that were the case, why deliver it in person and by Florentino Perez himself?
Like the Xabi Alonso or Alvaro Arbeloa appointments, such news is typically released in an official statement, followed by an organised press conference.
Instead, what followed was something entirely different.
As Perez entered the room, phone in hand, papers laid out beside him, he launched into a lengthy and impassioned tirade. His targets: the press, the league, and the narratives surrounding both him and the club.
It was a side of Perez few had seen in years: animated, confrontational and full of energy.
At several points, he pulled out his phone and read aloud excerpts from critical articles, directly naming and calling out newspapers. Journalists in the room who were singled out didn’t stay silent, they pushed back. It became increasingly clear that Perez had called the press conference not just to address the media, but to challenge and in some cases attempt to discredit specific outlets.
For nearly 90 minutes, Perez spoke with visible anger and intensity. It was less a press conference and more a prolonged, unfiltered outburst.
His message to the media was clear. Right now at Real Madrid, there is one man firmly in control. Until that changes, the 79-year-old remains the ultimate authority and big decisions over the club will rest with him, including the next manager.
He will not tolerate what he sees as misinformation about himself or the club. He is not “sick” or “tired”. He is, he says, in perfectly good health.
The tension escalated further when Perez referenced an article written by a female journalist, questioning her understanding of football. He then pointed to one of the few women in the room who had her hand up to ask a question, saying: “Let’s ask her, because you men are all ugly.”
After two years without major success, questions about Perez’s future will now grow louder as information about the re-elections Perez has announced spreads across Madrid.
He projects absolute confidence, insisting he retains the full backing of Real Madrid’s members and even describing himself as “the greatest president” in the club’s history.
But after two seasons, three managers and no silverware, questions will no doubt continue to be asked by the Spanish press. Have the members seen enough? Is it time for change? And most importantly, is Florentino Perez still the right man to lead it?