Real Madrid Manager Supports Florentino Perez Amid Election Call
Álvaro Arbeloa, the manager of Real Madrid, has publicly expressed his backing for club president Florentino Perez following the recent call for an election. This move comes in the wake of a disappointing two-year trophy drought for the club.
Perez Defends His Leadership in Press Conference
In a heated and unscripted press conference on Tuesday, Perez criticized what he deemed a media campaign against him. He proclaimed his intention to remain in office while inviting his challengers to participate in an election. The press event followed Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico, which confirmed Barcelona as champions and marked the end of a tumultuous 2006 season for Madrid. This period included the dismissal of manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa’s subsequent appointment, during which the club failed to secure any significant silverware.
Arbeloa Highlights the Club’s Core Values
At a press conference on Wednesday, ahead of the La Liga match against Real Oviedo, Arbeloa remarked that any fan who listened to Perez would recognize his commitment to safeguarding the interests of both Real Madrid and its members. Arbeloa emphasized, “The strength of this club lies with its members and fans. Nobody dictates to you how to think or act.”
Perez’s Long Tenure and Re-election Process
Florentino Perez has presided over Real Madrid since 2000, aside from a brief hiatus from 2006 to 2009. For the past several terms, he has faced no opposition and has been re-elected every four years.
Requirements for Presidential Candidacy
To be eligible to run for the presidency of Real Madrid, candidates must meet specific criteria: they need to have been a club member for at least 20 years, possess Spanish nationality, and provide a personal guarantee amounting to 15% of the club’s overall budget.
Arbeloa Reflects on Perez’s Impact
When asked if he supported Perez, Arbeloa noted that he is not a club member and hence wouldn’t have a vote. However, he reflected on the club’s history, stating, “I remember Real Madrid before Florentino Pérez. I would undoubtedly choose the past 26 years of his leadership if we’re comparing.” He hailed Perez as one of the most influential figures in the club’s history and expressed confidence in his ability to rejuvenate the current situation.
Discussing the Negreira Scandal and Future Prospects
During his hour-long address in Valdebebas, Perez revealed that Madrid would soon present evidence related to the Negreira scandal to UEFA, asserting that the club had been deprived of seven league titles during his presidency. Arbeloa echoed this sentiment, affirming, “Of course we all know what happened over the past 20 years… We hope the Negreira case is resolved.” He dismissed claims suggesting that the club’s consecutive trophy-less seasons represent a low point, asserting that such perspectives overlook the broader context of football.
Focus on Upcoming Matches and Player Availability
Concluding his remarks, Arbeloa stated that the club would undertake a thorough evaluation this summer to enhance the team’s competitiveness for the upcoming season. “This is a sport where no club wins every year,” he pointed out. He refrained from confirming forward Kylian Mbappé’s availability for the match against Oviedo, noting, “We’ll see if he can complete today’s training session. If he’s ready, he’ll get some minutes on the pitch.” Arbeloa expressed eagerness for Mbappé to demonstrate his commitment during the remaining games.
