Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has launched a defiant attack against journalists, accusing them of an 'organised campaign' to oust him from his position. In a rare and hastily arranged press conference, Perez, usually known for his calm demeanour, appeared agitated as he confronted the media. He called for new club elections, challenging his opponents to step forward and contest his board's leadership.
This unusual outburst followed Real Madrid's 2-0 defeat to rivals Barcelona two days prior, a result that saw the Catalan club secure their second consecutive Spanish league title.
'I made this decision because of this absurd situation of campaigns against me,' the 79-year-old Perez said. 'The results haven't been the greatest, but that has happened other times before. But they are taking advantage to attack me.'
He said the campaign against him was being 'orchestrated by bad journalists and non journalists.'
'Some journalists and people want to destroy Real Madrid,' he said. 'I'll always defend the interest of the Madrid members.'
The president spoke after a meeting of the club's board of directors. Madrid has endured a second consecutive season without a major trophy, despite having France star Kylian Mbappe in the squad.
Perez did not speak about the team's results, saying his appearance was solely to defend Madrid club members from attacks. He did not want to talk about a potential coaching change when asked about the possibility of Jose Mourinho returning next season.
Perez said the leak of the fighting between players during training last week — which led to Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni being fined 500,000 euros ($586,000) each — was worse than the actual fight itself.
'It's not the first time that players fight with each other,' Perez said. 'It happens almost every season. But someone leaked it for the first time. And we know who it was. It should have stayed within the club.' He gave no further details.
Perez dismissed rumors that he was tired of the job, or sick, saying they had been spread by his detractors.
'They said I have cancer and that it was terminal,' he said. 'It was the most undignified thing that has ever happened to me. They said I didn't go out, that I couldn't walk.'
