Real Madrid News
Joan Laporta opens up on Real Madrid tensions and Florentino Perez relationship
Joan Laporta has once again stepped into the spotlight, offering a candid and revealing insight into Barcelona’s current position on their long-standing rivals, Real Madrid.
In a detailed interview (h/t AS), the Barcelona president addressed multiple topics, ranging from past collaborations to the increasingly strained relationship between the two Spanish giants.
Naturally, one of the first points of discussion was the controversial European Super League project, an initiative closely associated with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Reflecting on Barcelona’s involvement and his own role in maintaining dialogue with Madrid during that period, Laporta said,
“I did what I had to do. I don’t regret reaching out to Real Madrid. I consider that matter closed.”
Relationship with Perez
While that chapter may be over, the current relationship between the two clubs is far from stable.
Laporta explained that, although there remains a level of personal respect between himself and Florentino Perez, the institutional connection has suffered significantly in recent times.
“We now have a relationship based on mutual respect.
“It’s true that there was more contact regarding the Super League issue, but it has faded since he appeared in the Negreira case.
“Every time the judge tries to dismiss the case, Real Madrid presents conclusive evidence—such as a statement on the radio or in the media—which ultimately amounts to nothing.
“There’s a very shady agenda here. They want to drag out this proceeding to justify what their TV channel says, namely that the judges favour Barça.
“All of this has been damaging our relationship. On a personal level, there is mutual respect, but at the institutional level, relations have deteriorated significantly.”
Thoughts on Real Madrid
The Barcelona president did not stop there. When addressing Real Madrid more broadly, he delivered a statement that will undoubtedly fuel further debate around the rivalry.
“They’ve got ‘Barcelonitis.’ It’s not about playing the victim—I’ve never been one for that. We’re going to keep moving forward, with pride and our heads held high,” he concluded.
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
