Real Madrid may have secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu, but club president Florentino Perez used the occasion to deliver a clear and urgent message to the squad that this level of intensity must become the standard, not the exception.

According to Real Madrid Confidencial, the president addressed the players immediately after the match, offering both praise and a firm reminder.

Despite facing adversity, with 12 players unavailable, Real Madrid managed to fight back and earn three crucial points in the dying moments of the game. Yet, for Perez, the second-half performance was a glimpse of what should have been present all season.

Perez’s warning to the players

“Next year, every game has to be like today’s second half, with this interest, this spirit, this fight for our teammates, this dedication…” were his words, according to the report.

This was not just encouragement, as it was a pointed reminder that many performances this season had fallen short of Real Madrid’s standards.

Carlo Ancelotti had already praised his players for their grit against Mallorca, recognising the challenges of the injury crisis.

But Perez’s intervention highlighted a deeper concern about consistency, intensity, and mindset, particularly in games that seemed routine on paper but proved difficult in practice.

Starting a new era

The president’s words reflect a club already looking ahead. Even though Ancelotti’s departure is scheduled following this season, with Xabi Alonso expected to take over, the expectations for next year are already being laid out.

For Perez and his trusted directors, the second half against Mallorca was a demonstration of Real Madrid’s true DNA.

While Barcelona are widely expected to clinch the La Liga title today against Espanyol, Perez’s message makes it clear that Real Madrid are not giving up.

The plan now is to finish strong and carry that momentum into the Club World Cup and into the next chapter under new leadership.

According to an update from SPORT, Real Madrid have reignited their efforts to sign Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono, viewing the River Plate sensation as a key piece in Florentino Perez’s plans to revamp a squad that has disappointed this season.

At just 17 years of age, Mastantuono is already being hailed as the most exciting young talent in Argentine football.

The River Plate star has attracted major interest not only for his performances but also due to his European eligibility, thanks to holding an Italian passport.

This means he could move to Europe before turning 18 in August, a major boost for clubs like Real Madrid who are looking to act swiftly.

Real Madrid had everything in place

Real Madrid had already reached a salary agreement with the player in June 2024, but froze the deal after River Plate refused to negotiate the €45 million release clause.

With the situation now changing, due largely to mounting interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and even Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone is reportedly keen, Madrid are back in the race, this time with more urgency and intent.

Mastantuono’s agents are currently in Madrid, and a virtual meeting with the player reportedly involved Real Madrid representatives.

The objective is clear: close the deal as quickly as possible before Premier League giants escalate their interest or meet the clause outright.

However, River Plate are adamant about one thing that they want every cent of the €45 million. The Argentine club sees Mastantuono as not only a key player but also a symbol of their academy’s prestige.

They refuse to let him leave for less and have made the transfer a matter of principle. Madrid’s offer of €30 million plus variables falls well short for now, and talks remain stalled on this point.

Adding to the complexity is the player’s stance. Reports from Buenos Aires suggest Mastantuono has promised River Plate that he will not leave until December, once the South American season concludes.

This position clashes with Real Madrid’s internal urgency, as the club is eager to begin their rebuild immediately after a season widely considered a historic failure by its own standards.