Real Madrid is facing growing pressure after a difficult season on and off the pitch. The club’s problems became even more visible after rivals FC Barcelona celebrated winning the La Liga title in front of thousands of fans at Camp Nou.
While Barcelona players celebrated their success, Real Madrid’s squad quietly returned to the dressing room before heading back to the Spanish capital. Publicly, Madrid congratulated Barcelona through social media and also offered condolences following the death of the father of Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
However, tension quickly grew in Madrid after club president Florentino Perez delivered a dramatic press conference at the club’s training ground.
During the event, Perez strongly criticised the media, journalists, and several of the club’s critics. He also spoke about the long-running Negreira refereeing case involving Barcelona.
Perez claimed Real Madrid had been unfairly treated for years and suggested the club lost several league titles because referees favoured Barcelona.
The Real Madrid president opened the conference by saying he would not resign. He then spent more than an hour attacking what he described as enemies both inside and outside the club.
His comments created major reactions across Spanish football.
Barcelona later released a statement saying its legal team was reviewing Perez’s accusations and deciding possible next steps.
Perez also announced plans for a new presidential election at Real Madrid. However, strict rules make it very difficult for challengers to run against him.
Candidates must have been club members for at least 20 years and provide a bank guarantee worth around €200 million. Because of these rules, Perez has often run without serious competition.
The 79-year-old president defended his leadership during the press conference and praised the club’s success under his management. He highlighted Real Madrid’s financial strength, global image, and newly redeveloped stadium.
Still, many fans remain worried after a disappointing season.
Real Madrid, which won its 15th European title only two years ago, is expected to finish behind Barcelona in La Liga. The club was also knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
Perez did not speak much about the team’s football problems during the press conference. There was also no official discussion about who may become the club’s next coach.
Reports continue linking former manager Jose Mourinho with a return to Madrid.
Mourinho, one of football’s most famous coaches, previously led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. He won the Spanish league title in 2012 during an intense rivalry with Barcelona under Pep Guardiola.
Many believe Mourinho’s strong personality could help control the dressing room and restore order at the club.
However, his possible return has divided fans and former players.
Legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas said he respects Mourinho but does not believe he is the best option for the club now.
Real Madrid has a history of bringing back former coaches and players. Managers like Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti returned to lead the team in different periods.
Both coaches found major success at the club through calm leadership and strong dressing-room management.
The current squad still contains world-class talent, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
However, reports suggest tensions inside the squad have increased during the difficult season.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was reportedly involved in a training ground argument with captain Federico Valverde.
There are also concerns about future contracts and possible player sales as the club manages its finances.
Despite its huge global status, Real Madrid may need to sell players before making major new signings. Clubs across Europe are already showing interest in several Madrid stars.
The club still generates the highest revenue in world football and owns one of the sport’s most modern stadiums. Real Madrid and Barcelona also remain two of the most attractive clubs for players worldwide.
Still, football experts say success on the pitch remains the only real solution to Madrid’s current instability.
The situation also sparked criticism from media organisations after Perez attacked journalists during his speech.
The Spanish Association of Sports Press strongly rejected his comments and defended the role of independent journalism in democratic society.
Real Madrid has long been known for controlling headlines and dominating Spanish football politics. But this season, the pressure surrounding the club appears stronger than ever.
As uncertainty grows around the team, leadership, and future direction, many supporters now wait to see whether Real Madrid can recover quickly or face an even deeper crisis next season.
