Valdano Identifies the Key Traits of Real Madrid and Assesses Florentino Pérez’s Leadership Style. Club character and the president’s approach discussed by Jorge Valdano. He highlights how Real Madrid changes destinies and why Florentino Pérez’s management style remains a topic of debate.
In Madrid, the focus is once again not only on sporting achievements but also on the internal atmosphere of one of Europe’s most influential clubs. Jorge Valdano, former coach and player, spoke on 'La Noche de Aimar' about how Real Madrid shapes the destinies of those connected to the club. According to him, even a brief period with the Madrid team changes how a person is perceived in society: after working at the club, a special reputation attaches to a person, one that is felt anywhere in the world.
Valdano paid special attention to the figure of Florentino Pérez. He emphasized that the club president has an unusual management style: when mistakes occur, Pérez does not shift the responsibility but gets personally involved, which, in Valdano’s view, demonstrates high empathy and an ability to lead the team. At the same time, Valdano does not hide that Pérez, like any manager, has his shortcomings, but he believes that Pérez’s contribution to the club’s development is indisputable.
In recent weeks, the discussion around Pérez has become especially heated due to the politicization of his public statements. Valdano noted that it is now difficult to talk about the president: debates are igniting around his name, and part of the public perceives him almost as an antagonist. Nevertheless, according to the former coach, it was precisely Pérez who managed to oversee the club’s large-scale reconstruction, and this achievement must be taken into account in any assessment of his tenure.
The topic of identity and the influence of Real Madrid on the careers and lives of former players and coaches remains relevant in Spanish football. Valdano acknowledges that even years later, he is primarily associated with this club, despite a relatively short tenure. In this context, it is worth recalling how, in other areas of Spanish public life, certain actions and decisions spark heated debate — for example, the recent protest on TVE, when host Genar Álvarez undressed on air, causing a widespread public outcry (details of the incident).
For reference: Real Madrid is considered one of the most decorated football clubs in the world, and Florentino Pérez has held the position of president since 2000, with a break in the mid-2000s. During his leadership, the club has implemented major infrastructure projects and has repeatedly won the Champions League. In Spain, Pérez's figure is often discussed not only among fans but also in political circles, highlighting the significance of football for the country's public life.
