Florentino Perez talks Real Madrid’s schedule, Xabi Alonso, Trent and more – “Tough season” | OneFootball

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez used his recent Ordinary General Assembly report to speak boldly about the club’s ‘harmful’ schedule, which he claimed is responsible for causing so many injuries in the team this season.

This comes at a time when Real Madrid are dealing with an injury crisis, especially in defence, where Eder Militao picked up a knock during international break while Antonio Rudiger remains out.

Perez also talked about Real Madrid’s new signings while also heaping praise on Xabi Alonso.

Florentino Perez on Real Madrid’s schedule

Talking about Real Madrid’s schedule, Perez noted that severe injuries were the only factor preventing the club from achieving even greater success last season.

“Last season we won two titles, adding to a record that is unique in the history of football. We competed until the end in all competitions during a very tough season, with very serious injuries that prevented us from having important players available throughout the year,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“In two years we suffered five cruciate ligament tears and many long-term absences due to a schedule that is increasingly damaging to all players,” he added.

The club president emphasised that the physical demands placed on top international players are no longer sustainable.

“The international players have played more than 80 matches in a season, which is an absolutely incredible number, but our responsibility is to continue growing,” he said.

Perez used the opportunity to reinforce the club’s long-term sporting vision, pointing out how important it is to balance things between youth and experience while following the club’s core principles.

“We’re giving a boost to our sporting strategy by blending the best in the world with young talents who will be stars of the future. They are Madridistas at heart who love Real Madrid. That’s key to their being with us,” he added.

He then lauded the arrival of new coach Xabi Alonso, who has brought in a series of changes to the way how the Real Madrid dressing room operates.

Florentino Perez has full faith in Xabi Alonso. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“He represents the values of Real Madrid, he knows our home after winning everything defending the shirt, and he arrives after making history at Bayer Leverkusen,” he said.

Florentino Perez on new signings

The Real Madrid president went on to share his thoughts on Real Madrid’s key summer signings, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Franco Mastantuono and Dean Huijsen.

“We have signed great players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, with an impressive career at one of the giants like Liverpool,” he said.

“We also welcome Dean Huijsen, a young 20-year-old center-back who is already an international with the Spanish national team and who demonstrates very special talent.

“Like Álvaro Carreras, a talent who was formed in our academy and arrives from Benfica who will bring us great joy,” he added.

Perez also talked about the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, placing the Argentine alongside the club’s established offensive superstars.

“He is one of the great talents in world football who, at 18 years old, is already the youngest player to debut for the Argentine national team.

“He joins a team with Vinícius, the ‘The Best’ 2024 award winner, or Mbappé, who recently received the ‘Golden Boot’ in his first season at Real Madrid,” he said.

Finally, Perez celebrated the legacy of the academy, paying tribute to club captain Dani Carvajal, and reaffirming the squad’s current successful trajectory under Alonso.

“One of our greatest academy graduates who has the honor of holding the record with six European Cups,” he said about Carvajal.

Pérez concluded by expressing optimism that the current squad will maintain its successful form heading into the winter break.

“We continue building the present and future of a team that is leading LaLiga with a game in hand and is in the leading group of the Champions League. We are excited that with the talent of these players, we will reach the objectives of the season,” he concluded.