Perez says football must change
The current global pandemic has had a massive impact on football as a whole and the world in general. Regarding specifically football, fans from all clubs and all nations have been unable to attend matches for a significant period of time and are only just returning in very small numbers.
Competitions have begun again as before with more games to be played over the next 2 years than any previous. With the delay of the European Championships to 2021 followed by the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the frequency of matches will be constant.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has called for changes in the structure of the game to react to the pandemic in which he has referenced an increase in injuries to players.
“Nothing will be the same as it was before,” Perez said at Real Madrid’s members’ assembly.
“We need to innovate and find formulas to ensure football remains attractive. Real Madrid were there for the foundation of FIFA and the European Cup. Now, the current model needs a boost, as the impact that COVID-19 has had has shown this. We need a new boost and Real Madrid will be there for it.”
“Everyone is calling for a reshaping of the global competitive landscape. There’s saturation and the fans, who are the most important, suffer. There are consequences for the players too, with injuries. So, a reshaping of football mustn’t wait. There’s a need to change.”
Whilst there was no specific mention, one could not help but wonder if Perez was referencing a European Super League when talking about football remaining ‘attractive.’
Moves to make a European Super League a reality have increased over the last 12-months with reports indicating that both Manchester United and Liverpool have been in talks about the introduction of such a concept.
Ramos expected to stay
Florentino Perez not only spoke about the broader aspects of the game but also kept the conversation closer to home with Real Madrid itself. The club only just sneaked through the the group stage of the Champions League. Finishing top after beating Borussia Monchengladbach in the final group game.
Manager Zinedine Zidane has been under pressure as Los Blancos have been slightly off the pace in both the league and Europe. However, Perez was full of praise for the Frenchman at the members’ assembly.
“Zinedine Zidane led the way and now has 11 titles as coach of Real Madrid. He’s a symbol for us, as a coach and a player,” said Perez.
Another name brought by Perez was that of Sergio Ramos. The Madrid captain and Spanish international’s future has been of much debate over recent weeks with the possibility of a new contract not being signed a genuine reality.
“We still trust this team for the rest of the season, with our captain Sergio Ramos, who has just been selected into the dream team of the year for the 11th time.”
Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Sergio Ramos celebrates after scoring a penalty during the Spanish League football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 24, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
The comments follow Zidane’s own words of encouragement for Real Madrid supporters that Ramos will indeed eventually sign a new deal and remain at the Bernabeu ahead of next season.
“When a player wants to stay that means a lot. With Sergio Ramos, I see him staying for many years. He’s looking after himself well and I’m not surprised about what he’s achieving,” said the French coach.
