Real Madrid News
‘Since we have been given the opportunity…’: Real Madrid presidential candidate calls for debate with Florentino Perez
Enrique Riquelme’s candidacy being officially approved sets the electoral process at Real Madrid in motion for the first time since 2006, and Florentino Perez will have to work for his presidency this time around.
Having been announced as an official candidate on Sunday, Riquelme went on to inaugurate his electoral headquarters just around 100 metres from Perez’s headquarters, and he is working hard on his campaign.
After all, he will not have long to make a case for himself with all signs pointing to a maximum of two weeks before the polling begins.
Riquelme speaks
Earlier today, the presidential candidate was asked if he would take questions regarding his candidacy and the vision he has for Real Madrid.
He did not entertain any questions at the time but provided a clear deadline for the same.
“On Wednesday I will present a candidacy full of enthusiasm and ideas for the future,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
He then indirectly targeted Florentino Perez’s presidency for hanging a banner of seven UEFA Champions League titles that Real Madrid have won under his reign instead of the full 15 titles that have been won in the club’s history.
“Real Madrid is not only the seven Champions of that canvas that is hanging, but there are eight more. That’s why, since we have been given the opportunity, we want to debate.”
Finally, he spoke out on the dissatisfaction among the club members after the stadium’s renovation, saying,
“[They now have] less space in their seats in a stadium worth 1.5 billion euros.”
A debate to follow?
Riquelme and his entourage initially demanded two presidential debates with Florentino Perez, something the current club president was advised against partaking in, given that he has nothing to gain.
The tight timelines and hurry for the polling process to begin, however, means that there will likely not be enough time for two debates. Riquelme’s demand, thus, has reduced to one confrontation.
As it stands, the election is expected to be held either on 31st May or 7th June, and an official announcement is expected in the coming days to confirm the same.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
