Former Real Madrid technical director Arrigo Sacchi criticizes Florentino Perez: “He’s doing too much…”

In a scathing critique that has ignited debate across the footballing world, former Real Madrid technical director and legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi has taken aim at club president Florentino Pérez. Sacchi, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, didn’t hold back as he dissected the internal workings of the Spanish giants and placed the blame for their faltering season squarely at the feet of the man in charge.

Real Madrid’s 2024/25 campaign has fallen short of expectations. After a strong start in La Liga, cracks began to show in European competition. The team was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the quarter-final second leg—ending what was supposed to be a fairytale season powered by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

Despite the French superstar netting an impressive 33 goals this season, his impact on the biggest stage has been underwhelming. The Champions League was the true test of his arrival, and many feel he failed to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Sacchi agrees—but his criticism extends far beyond Mbappé.

In his interview, the 79-year-old tactician came to the defense of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s current head coach. Sacchi, who knows Ancelotti personally and professionally, expressed dismay at the scapegoating of his compatriot following the club’s recent failures.

“What saddens me,” Sacchi said in Italian, “is that everyone is now criticizing Carletto because of the Champions League elimination, placing the entire burden on his shoulders. Do these people even know who Ancelotti is? Are they aware of what he’s achieved in this sport?”

The former AC Milan boss then redirected the focus toward Pérez, whom he portrayed as the architect of Real Madrid’s recent struggles. According to Sacchi, the president’s obsession with attacking stars has come at the expense of balance, structure, and long-term planning.

“I know the Real Madrid environment very well. I know Florentino Pérez because I was there. He is a brilliant president, but he is too focused on the attackers,” Sacchi remarked. “To convince him to sign Sergio Ramos, I had to fight for three months. He doesn’t even look at defenders.”

Sacchi’s remarks are being widely discussed across Spanish and Italian media. They echo a growing sentiment among critics and fans alike: that Real Madrid, once known for its balanced and ruthless efficiency, has become top-heavy and tactically vulnerable.

The departures of key veterans like Toni Kroos, Nacho Fernández, and Joselu have left gaping holes in the squad—holes that were not properly addressed. The midfield has lacked leadership, while the defense has suffered frequent breakdowns, exacerbated by injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão.

Despite these issues, Ancelotti has had to work with what he’s been given. Sacchi alluded to this, suggesting that the coach’s docile relationship with club leadership may be both his strength and his downfall.

“Carlo is not like Mourinho or Conte. He doesn’t fight the boardroom battles. He respects the hierarchy. But in doing so, he’s limited. He requested new players in both recent transfer windows, but his hands were tied,” Sacchi added.

Indeed, Ancelotti’s loyalty has not gone unnoticed. Reports suggest that the reason he’s still in the job is precisely because he doesn’t rock the boat. Florentino Pérez and general director José Ángel Sánchez reportedly admire his cooperative nature, even if it comes at a tactical cost.

Ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti maintained his diplomatic stance. “Do I regret not asking for more signings? No. I’ve always had an excellent relationship with the club. Everything we do is done together. There is no confrontation,” he said.

But behind the scenes, tensions are brewing. If Madrid fails to win silverware this season—particularly the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona—many believe drastic changes could be in store. For now, Ancelotti remains the calm eye in the storm, but for how much longer?

Sacchi’s words have struck a chord not just because of their content, but because of the weight his legacy carries. A tactical innovator who revolutionized the modern game, his critique is not born from bitterness but from concern for the institution he once served.

“He [Florentino] is doing too much,” Sacchi concluded. “A president should guide, not micromanage. Football is a team sport, not a showcase for strikers.”

With voices like Samir Nasri and Thierry Henry also weighing in recently, there is a growing chorus questioning Real Madrid’s direction under Florentino Pérez. The club’s glamorous image remains intact, but the footballing soul that once defined Los Blancos appears to be fading.

Whether Pérez takes these warnings to heart remains to be seen. For now, Real Madrid finds itself at a crossroads: stick with its superstar-centric model or return to the fundamentals that once made it Europe’s most feared team.

As the season winds down and the pressure mounts, all eyes will be on Pérez—not just to see how he responds, but to determine whether he’s truly the solution or the root of the problem.