Having spent much of the past 2 summers dominating the summer soccer headlines, Fiorentino Perez’s ability to deliver his promises of “Galatico” signings to transform the Real Madrid playing personnel have left many soccer fans in awe.
They have broken the world record for transfer fees twice in a month with the signings of Kaka from Milan and then Christiano Ronaldo from Man Utd. Added further to the 2 massive signings are Karim Benzema from Lyon and Raul Albiol from Valencia, taking Real’s outlays for the summer over the ₤160 million mark.
This probably shows Perez’s determination to stop Barcelona’s dominance after a wonderful season for the team from Catalunya, doing the domestic double and also becoming Champions of Europe. Barca’s total dominance this season must have caused much jealousy and frustration among Real’s tops dogs and their fans alike.
Bobby Robson, once manager at the Nou Camp, professes that the rivalry among the 2 clubs are so heated that very often, they are only concerned at finishing above each other in the La Liga, even if other teams go on to win the championship.
Perez’z ability to lobby loans to generate transfers of this magnitude is staggering. You have to wonder how far the depths of support for Real Madrid actually go. Many fans will remember how they wrote off their massive debts during Perez’s first reign at the helm by selling their training ground to the city council at an astronomical amount.
One can argue that Real’s tactics used in attracting players often causes a stir for rival clubs and fans. Perez’s and the club’s constant links with the top players have been a little extravagant to say the least. Perez only believes in being extravagant, this being evident with the signings of Luis Figo, David Beckham, the Brazilian Ronaldo and the magical Zidane during his 1st reign at the club.
I was having supper with a mate the other day and he commented that he could not wait to see Real do badly again this season after all the ‘noises’ the club has created. This viewpoint I am sure will be shared by many non Real Madrid supporters.
The signings of Kaka, a elite role model and CR7, have set the Madrid fans drooling at the team’s prospects net season. The incredible scenes where the Santiago Bernabeau was packed to the rafters for CR7’s presentation shows the fanfare the team has.
If the team manages to gel, you have to be optimistic about their prospects. One can feels the insult they have taken, especially after not qualifying beyond the second phase of the Champions League five seasons on the trot. Having won a record 9 European Cups, Real often view themselves as the premier club in Europe and the world.
Having seen Man Utd being crowned European Champions and then World Champions in 2008, Perez have now taken away the talisman and crown jewel form the Old Trafford line up. The signing of Benzema from Lyon, who has long been a target for Sir Alex Ferguson, is another good business deal by Perez.
For once in many a season, the shift of power among European leagues might be shifting to Spain now. Arguably, the top 3 players in the world now, CR7, Kaka and Lionel Messi are displaying their talents in the La Liga.
Similarly to Man City in the Premier League, you have to wonder if all these signings will gel immediately. Real’s problems in recent seasons have been all in their defensive part of their line up. The signing of Albiol might not be enough to correct the glaring frailties they have. Other than Sergio Ramos, it is difficult to identify a proper and decent figure at the Bernabeau before the arrival of Albiol. Lassana Diarra and Gago are not the best defensive midfielders either.
Perez has been especially brutal in his efforts to create his ideal team of playing personnel. Since his arrival, the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Royston Drenthe, Rafeal Van Der Vaart, Klass Jan Huntelaar (who has only been at the club for half a year) and Ruud Van Nistelrooy have been up for sale. A huge headache for the Dutch national team, especially when its World Cup year.
At Real, you have to wonder if Pellegrini, the new coach who have just made the switch from Villareal, can handle all the huge egos in the dressing room. It is clear to see that all the signings thus far have been Perez’s signings and not his. Added to this are the complications in which Raul Gonzales, an icon at the club, has a huge influence over team selections and style of play.
Similarly to Mark Huges at the City of Manchester Stadium, you can see Pellegrini under the immense pressure to deliver immediate results or heads could roll. This is no surprise, especially at a Real Madrid, where they have once dismissed the services of a manager after winning the European Cup. Incredible!
Which is why this season’s La Liga will be a blast I am sure, Perez’s second generation of Galaticos trying to dislodge Barca off their perch. Fans are certainly in for a treat.
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