Florentino Perez set to speak to Real Madrid players after Benfica humiliation | OneFootball

The fallout from Real Madrid’s damaging defeat against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League is far from over. 

According to a report from Onda Cero, relayed by Mundo Deportivo, club president Florentino Perez is preparing to intervene directly by speaking to members of the first-team squad in the coming days. 

The move comes amid growing tension around the club and rising frustration both on and off the pitch.

Perez under pressure

It must be noted that Perez is currently facing strong criticism from sections of the fanbase, largely due to how this season’s squad was assembled. 

Supporters have questioned the balance, depth, and planning behind the team, concerns that have only intensified after recent results. 

During the recent match at the Santiago Bernabeu, parts of the crowd were even heard calling for Perez’s resignation. 

With another home game approaching this Sunday, there is a real possibility that the atmosphere could turn hostile again.

Need for intervention

Florentino Perez will speak with the Real Madrid players. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

As such, this is not the first time Perez has stepped in during a turbulent period. 

Following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, the president held conversations with several players in an attempt to steady the ship and reset expectations. 

Now, after what has been described internally as a disaster in Lisbon, Perez is expected to take a similar approach.

According to the information from the aforementioned outlet, the Real Madrid president plans either to speak individually with some players or to visit the squad at Valdebebas to address the group directly. 

Backing for Arbeloa

The objective would be to demand a response after the Benfica defeat and to make it clear that the club’s standards remain non-negotiable.

At the same time, Perez intends to publicly and privately reinforce his backing of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. 

Despite the criticism surrounding recent performances, the president is understood to believe that stability on the bench is essential and that the responsibility for the collapse against Benfica cannot be placed solely on the coaching staff.