Pérez on Alonso, Mbappé, Vinicius, and Mourinho

Just two days after a controversial press conference where he announced new presidential elections and leveled accusations against the media and Barcelona, Florentino Pérez gave another interview to “El Chiringuito” last night. In it, the Real Madrid president discussed Xabi Alonso, José Mourinho, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and upcoming transfers.

Here are the most interesting highlights from the interview:

On Real Madrid's two consecutive trophy-less seasons:

- We've reached a point where we devalue what we have. Last year, we won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Do those no longer count? Let's not take things to an absurd level. This is an orchestrated campaign. I am not the owner of Real; our socios are. Faced with such attacks, I decided to call for elections. I had to do it in this situation of constant instability.

On whether he likes Mourinho, who is rumored to be the team's new coach:

- I like all coaches. Mourinho was with us and increased our competitiveness. After him, we won six Champions League titles in ten years.

Is there tension in the locker room?

- No. The lads get along perfectly. Arguments during training are something that happens constantly. That can be said for any club. But what doesn't happen in other clubs is such a negative, orchestrated campaign against them.

Did he make a mistake with Xabi Alonso's appointment?

- No. It was a matter of circumstances. Everything stemmed from the Club World Cup, which meant we didn't have a pre-season. When you don't have that preparation, you suffer physically. We thought that changing the coach could solve the problem, but the effect was too short-lived, and then the decline continued.

Is Mbappé sufficiently committed to the club?

- Mbappé is the best player Madrid has right now. He won the Golden Boot; it's not like he isn't scoring goals. Something else needs to change.

Will there be new signings?

- Of course! There always have been. We've always brought in the best. I brought Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham…

Is an Erling Haaland transfer possible?

- I'm not thinking about that. That's the job of the sporting management. I don't deal with that.

Does he like Lamine Yamal?

- Of course, I like him. Can we sign him? (laughs). The connection with Barça is completely severed.

Will Vinicius renew his contract with Real?

- What if I don't renew mine? I think Vinicius is one of the best players Real has. The last two Champions League titles were won by him. There's no need to rush; we have a whole season for negotiations. Do you think I'm responsible for everything? The sporting management should take care of that.”