President Perez appeared quite comfortable venting his fury before the cameras. Angered by malicious rumors tarnishing his health, he emerged publicly in an unprecedented manner. As expected, Perez's speech immediately caused a media storm and became politicized.

A scarf on sale outside Santiago Bernabeu stadium before the Real - Oviedo match on 15/5, bearing the message "Florentino, the greatest president in history". Photo: Reuters

I am intimately familiar with the Real that Perez took over 26 years ago and the extraordinary strength that helped him revitalize the club. Like many others, I clearly see Real's global standing today. Perez's legacy is undeniable, both in sports and institutionally: titles, landmark projects, revenue, and international reputation. He doesn't need to expend any effort to prove his position; time will naturally do that.

Therefore, Perez's recent public appearance was entirely superfluous. The announcement of a new election, with nearly three years remaining in his term, was equally unnecessary. Perez understands Real's club members (socio) better than anyone, so he knows he is assured of their votes. In fact, I don't know a single Real fan who isn't concerned about who will succeed Perez when that moment arrives.

Real represents power, and frankly, so does Perez. That notion is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness and doesn't need further emphasis. Appearing solely to display corporate "muscle" or boast about football achievements is an unexpectedly weak display from such a powerful man.

As a land of endless passion, football's inherent nature is linked to exaggeration. Real is both a beneficiary and a victim of these extremes. People over-praise them when they win and drag them to the depths when they lose. These occurrences are as natural as breathing. Real holds the facts, while the press holds the words. Engaging in a war of words when the factual data is insufficient is a bad idea, especially when they have no shortage of successes to showcase. Titles always come with great expectations; that is an essential part of greatness and inseparable from Real's history.

The shocking Negreira scandal provides insufficient basis to claim that Real was "robbed" of seven La Liga titles in recent years, or that they were robbed of 17 points this year, three points more than the current 14-point gap behind Barca. Recent head-to-head matches have revealed a disparity in footballing terms, which is entirely consistent with what the league table reflects. In football, all arguments must be settled on the field. When defeated, people should shake hands, as old traditional songs suggest. Then, they gather their pride to look towards the next opportunity. That should be the way.

President Perez in the stands of Santiago Bernabeu stadium during the Real - Oviedo match on 15/5. Photo: Reuters

Indeed, every year, a dressing room will face at least one conflict. What is puzzling is why the early warning signs of a two-day long dispute (between Fede Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni) were not stopped by anyone. That collective indifference, that lack of leadership, which allowed the conflict to escalate, reflects Real's two trophy-less years more clearly than any press release. The strength of a team is maintained by friendship and camaraderie. This means that when players play alongside someone they trust, it makes any team stronger.

In his second appearance to explain himself, this time on La Sexta television with a clear aim of damage control, Perez appeared calmer. However, when asked how he received criticism after the previous press conference, he pointed to his phone and replied that he only received congratulatory messages. Perhaps the flatterers, those who pull Perez away from reality in exchange for a VIP seat in the honor box, are his biggest problem.

Perez doesn't need to expend a single bullet to secure his presidential seat. He can rest assured, as no one can wrest Real from the hands of its members. Standing behind them are history, the statutes, and a great Real that he himself built.

Hoang Thong (according to El Pais)