A comparison of Real Madrid's leadership leaves Florentino in the spotlight at the Bernabéu.

"The club decided not to go to the Ballon d'Or gala," Vinícius confessed about his absence in Paris. At Real Madrid, they assumed this award would go to him, but when Florentino Pérez found out, he canceled the trip. "They asked me to stay, and I do what the club tells me to," the Brazilian added, confirming that the decision was made by the president of a Real Madrid club accused by L'Equipe of "acting outside the rules, losing ethics, and jeopardizing their international credibility."

Of course, a major embarrassment was almost realized with the Copa del Rey final played on April 26 in Seville. Florentino Perez, in addition to ordering the team not to train at La Cartuja Stadium and Ancelotti not to appear at the pre-match press conferences, did not attend the official dinner and even threatened not to show up if the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not change the referees . And all because the referees complained about the treatment they receive from Real Madrid Television .

"What Real Madrid did before the final borders on dishonest or thuggish methods, like the mafia," said Christophe Dugarry , World and European champion with France. "Many people who loved this team will turn away from it, and they'll deserve it because they've messed things up," the Frenchman added on RMC Sports . In the same vein, the aforementioned newspaper L'Equipe described Real Madrid as "a capricious child intolerant of frustration."

In addition to "moving away from the values ​​of respect and sportsmanship it proclaims," ​​the same French newspaper did not hesitate to see Madrid in "a reputational crisis and in need of rebuilding its image to regain its credibility and hegemony." With Florentino Perez as president, the Whites have already won five more titles than they did under the Santiago Bernabéu : 36 and 31, respectively. However, greatness is not only measured by what is won, but by how it is won.

Leadership is not just about winning games

What's more, in sport, what makes you great is knowing how to win and how to lose, and if there's one thing Real Madrid has always been proud of, it's its famous poise. According to Spanish Leadership , which presents itself as "a success story founded by Jorge Zuazola in Germany following Spain's triumph at Euro 2008, " "leadership in football is not just about winning matches, but also about upholding the values ​​of the sport and being a positive example."

In this regard, and analyzing what happened in the recent Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid , Spanish Leadership highlights Florentino Pérez's leadership errors and presents up to 21 reasons why it believes his actions failed to comply with the fundamental principles of effective leadership. Given the news blackout surrounding the Madrid president in Spain, it was worthwhile to compile this analysis, which extends to the so-called Madrid press.

1. Lack of professionalism: Florentino Pérez's decision not to attend the official dinner showed a lack of respect for the tradition and importance of the event.

2. Poor crisis management: The Madrid press's suggestion that Real Madrid might not play in the final created unnecessary tension and confusion.

3. Underestimation of referees: Real Madrid TV 's public criticism of the referees fostered an atmosphere of hostility and disrespect.

4. Lack of promoting sportsmanship: By boycotting pre-match activities, Real Madrid missed the opportunity to demonstrate unity and respect for the competition.

5. Negative public relations: The actions of Florentino Pérez and the Madrid press damaged the club's reputation nationally and internationally.

6. Ignoring tradition: Not attending the traditional dinner undermined the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that such events seek to foster.

7. Escalation of tensions: The inflammatory rhetoric of the Madrid press added fuel to an already tense situation.

8. Lack of accountability: Blaming referees for possible outcomes diverted attention from the team's performance and preparation.

9. Bad example as a leader: Perez's actions set a negative example for players, coaching staff, and fans.

10. Isolation of key stakeholders: The boycott and public criticism risked alienating key stakeholders, including fans, sponsors, and the football community.

11. Missed opportunity for diplomacy: The official dinner could have been a platform for building relationships and fostering goodwill.

12. Creating a distracting narrative: The focus shifted from the game itself to off-field controversies, detracting from the players' efforts.

13. Lack of emotional intelligence: The inability to manage emotions and respond constructively to the referees ' press conference showed low emotional intelligence.

14. Damage to team morale: The negative environment generated by leadership and the press may have impacted the players' mentality and performance.

15. Fomenting divisions: The actions of Pérez and the Madrid press created unnecessary divisions within the football community.

16. Ignoring ethical leadership: Effective leaders prioritize fairness and respect, values ​​that were overlooked in this situation.

17. Short-term vision: The focus on immediate grievances overshadowed the long-term implications for the club's image and relationships.

18. Undermining the competition: Questioning the integrity of the referees undermined the credibility of the competition itself.

19. Lack of strategic communication: Public statements and actions lacked a coherent strategy, generating contradictory messages and confusion.

20. Missed opportunity for unity: The final was an opportunity to unite fans and celebrate the sport, but it was overshadowed by controversy.

21. Lack of exemplary leadership: Leadership is about setting the tone. Pérez and the Madrid press failed to embody the values ​​of respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.

The visionary and ethical style of Don Santiago

But Spanish Leadership doesn't just analyze what happened with the Copa del Rey final and Florentino Pérez's attempt to not show up; it goes further, comparing it to what it calls "the visionary actions of Santiago Bernabéu." "His leadership was defined by respect, vision, and a commitment to excellence," it explains about the legendary Real Madrid president, whom Florentino mentions so often, but from whom he has distanced himself due to an endless thirst for power.

" Santiago Bernabéu 's leadership transformed Real Madrid into a global powerhouse, setting standards that resonate even today. Comparing his approach to the recent actions of Florentino Pérez and the Madrid press during the Copa del Rey final, here are 21 leadership actions Bernabéu would have done differently, demonstrating his visionary and ethical management style," explains Spanish Leadership.

1. Respect for tradition: Bernabéu would have attended the official dinner, honoring the event's traditions and fostering camaraderie.

2. Promotion of sportsmanship: He would have emphasized respect for referees and competitors, avoiding public criticism that undermines the sport.

3. Strategic communication: Bernabéu reportedly ensured clear and respectful messages, avoiding the inflammatory rhetoric of the club's media.

4. Relationship building: He would have used the dinner as an opportunity to strengthen ties with rival clubs and football authorities.

5. Focus on team morale: Instead of creating distractions, Bernabéu would have prioritized improving the players' confidence and unity.

6. Ethical Leadership: He would have championed the values ​​of fairness and respect, setting a positive example for the football community.

7. Crisis management: Bernabéu would have addressed any concerns constructively, avoiding actions that escalate tensions.

8. Respect for officials: I would have supported the referees' press conference as a step toward transparency and professionalism.

9. Long-term vision: Bernabéu would have considered the broader implications of his actions on the club's reputation and relationships.

10. Fostering unity: He would have cultivated a sense of unity among players, coaching staff, and fans, focusing on collective goals.

11. Avoid public controversy: Bernabéu reportedly avoided making or endorsing statements that could damage the club's image.

12. Diplomacy: He would have handled disagreements with tact and diplomacy, maintaining the club's dignity.

13. Respect for the competitions: Bernabéu would have defended the integrity of the Copa del Rey, recognizing its importance in Spanish football.

14. Positive role model: As a leader, he would have demonstrated professionalism and respect, inspiring others to follow his example.

15. Strengthening the club's identity: He would have focused his efforts on strengthening Real Madrid 's identity as a club of excellence and sportsmanship.

16. Support for the players: Bernabéu would have ensured that the players felt supported and motivated, regardless of external challenges.

17. Transparent leadership: Communicated openly and honestly, avoiding actions that could be perceived as evasive or disrespectful.

18. Improving reputation: Bernabéu has reportedly prioritized actions that would improve the club's reputation nationally and internationally.

19. Encouraging constructive feedback: He would have welcomed comments and criticism as opportunities for growth and improvement.

20. Celebrating sport: He would have focused his efforts on celebrating football and its values, rather than creating unnecessary conflict.

21. Lead by example: Bernabéu would have embodied the principles of respect, integrity, and professionalism, setting the tone for the entire club.

"It is necessary for the Spanish and even international authorities to be very, very forceful with Real Madrid," the aforementioned Dugarry commented naively after what happened in the Copa del Rey final. "It is crucial for Real Madrid to engage in some sincere self-criticism if they want to regain the prestige that has historically characterized the club," they added in L'Equipe . The devastating analysis by Spanish Leadership on the difference in leadership between Florentino and Bernabéu makes it clear where Pérez is taking a club that was once a model of nobility and is now surrounded by confrontation and victimhood.