Real Madrid president Florentino Perez delivered a fiery TV interview, accusing media outlets of orchestrating a campaign against the club while defending star striker Kylian Mbappe and teasing a potential summer move for Erling Haaland.
Media Campaign and Refereeing Concerns
Perez reiterated claims of an organized effort by certain journalists to undermine Real Madrid. “I know the journalists involved in this orchestrated campaign,” he stated on the Spanish TV program El Chiringuito de Jugones. “They think they can influence Real Madrid. I don’t speak to journalists because I’m very busy.”
He also addressed refereeing standards and called for club elections, challenging opponents to step forward. Earlier in the week, during a press conference at the training center following a 2-0 loss to Barcelona, Perez appeared agitated. “Some journalists and people want to destroy Real Madrid,” he declared. “I’ll always defend the interest of the Madrid members.”
Transfer Speculation: Haaland and Barcelona Ban
When questioned about potential signings, Perez hinted at interest in Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who is contracted until 2034. “Is Haaland impossible to sign? I don’t know,” he said mischievously.
However, he firmly ruled out any deals with Barcelona, citing longstanding issues. Regarding young talent Lamine Yamal, Perez remarked, “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.”
Mbappe Defense and Dressing Room Dynamics
Perez praised Mbappe despite admitting limited personal interaction. “I don’t speak to Mbappe,” he explained. “I greet the players at training. Mbappe is the best player at Real Madrid right now; he’s been awarded the Golden Boot. There are things we need to improve, but I’m not going to get into that.”
On recent team tensions, including an incident where Federico Valverde suffered a head injury after a clash with Aurelien Tchouameni, Perez insisted such matters remain internal. “We know about them or we suspect them,” he said. “Bringing that up to tear Real Madrid down. It should stay in the locker room. Now they’re saying it’s chaos. I’m not going to analyse it.”
Mourinho Rumors Dismissed
Speculation about Jose Mourinho’s return as manager drew a curt response. “I like all the coaches. He was with us, he raised our competitiveness,” Perez noted. “It’s not true that I choose the coaches. How tiresome with Mourinho questions. I didn’t even speak to Mourinho when he came here for the Champions League match against Benfica.”
