Enrique Riquelme, a challenger to Florentino Pérez's control of Real Madrid, has announced he holds binding agreements with two major international players ready to join the club if elected president. Speaking to Spanish newspaper ABC, Riquelme revealed the signings could be confirmed within two weeks, though he declined to name the targets publicly.
"I have an agreement for two major international stars to play for Real Madrid if I am president," Riquelme stated, emphasizing that these players are "essential to the sporting project in the short, medium and long term." His remarks come as Real Madrid faces an internal power struggle, with presidential elections expected on 7 June following Pérez's call for a fresh mandate.
Attacking Pérez's Record and Club Direction
The presidential candidate launched a sharp critique of Madrid's current leadership, arguing the club has abandoned its core values. "This club currently lacks hierarchy, professionalism, values and an understanding of what Real Madrid is really about," Riquelme told ABC. He specifically targeted Pérez's handling of Xabi Alonso's sacking, describing the dismissal of the former Leverkusen title-winner as a "colossal error" by the board.
Riquelme defended Alonso's brief tenure, stating: "As Leverkusen's manager, he achieved something historic. Bringing him in was the right call; sacking him was a mistake." He criticized the club for failing to grant the German coach sufficient time to implement his vision, citing the "manner, the timing" of his removal as particularly damaging to squad morale.
Managerial Ambitions Include Klopp
Looking ahead to the technical direction, Riquelme identified Jürgen Klopp as a leading candidate for the managerial position. "I think Klopp is brilliant," he said, while stopping short of making him the only option. "There are other coaches I like as well. Besides, Klopp is currently working for Red Bull. We'll see what happens in the next few days, but of course he's a candidate I'd very much like to see as Real Madrid's manager."
He also criticized interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa's appointment as an ill-conceived stopgap measure, emphasizing that Madrid requires leaders "who set standards and are respected" rather than experimental solutions. The presidential race represents a pivotal moment for the La Liga giants, with voting set to determine whether Riquelme's vision of wholesale change prevails over Pérez's continued leadership.
