Riquelme: Real Madrid's Identity Needs Reshaping.. We Don't Need a Strong Barcelona

Enrique Riquelme, the president of Cox Energy and a potential candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, sparked widespread controversy with strong statements in which he criticized the club's stance on some contentious issues, notably the "Negreira" case. He also affirmed that his future project aims to reshape the identity of "Los Merengues" both athletically and administratively.

Riquelme's statements came during an interview with "Marca" newspaper, where he spoke about his vision for the future of Real Madrid, before directly criticizing the way the club handles its relationships in Spanish football, noting that he does not see the necessity of supporting Barcelona at the current stage.

Riquelme said: "It is a highly sensitive topic. According to studies, we have moved from being the most popular club in Spain, and we are still the most famous club in the world and the most important sports institution globally. This has been achieved thanks to a great legacy that must be recognized and appreciated. But if we want to remain the top sports brand in the world, we need changes."

He added: "When projects extend for a long period, personal issues eventually arise, and when these issues overshadow institutions, such conflicts emerge. We cannot be at odds with everyone. It is true that there are those who have tried to harm Real Madrid, and this must be addressed, but at the same time, the club cannot support a club that did to us what happened in the Negreira case."

In his statement, Riquelme clarified that his stance differs from the current club management on certain issues, saying: "In 2024, we supported Barcelona in the general assemblies because we needed a strong Barcelona. I don't need a strong Barcelona; I need a strong Real Madrid to compete against others. We need them to return to respecting us, not fearing us; there's a big difference."

Riquelme touched on his upcoming sports project within the club, emphasizing that his vision is based on building a comprehensive professional structure. He said, "The coach should also be a sports director, especially with academy players delivering strong performances. We must be ready to compete from day one and build a team for the medium and long term, not just sign players for the sake of signing."

He added: "We have important names that will join. The best players that Real Madrid needs will come, with a clear professional plan. Real Madrid must have a sporting director and a comprehensive plan that is not limited to the first team only, but extends to the academy."

He also emphasized the importance of developing the youth sector, saying: "Talent cannot be absent from the academy while other clubs in Spain, some of which are direct competitors, fill the national team with players from their schools. This situation must improve, and then players should be gradually promoted to the first team. Real Madrid must regain the values that have always distinguished it."

In his concluding remarks, Riquelme praised the current president, Florentino Pérez, considering him one of the most prominent leaders of the club, saying: "He is the best president in the history of Real Madrid, without a doubt. He has transformed the club since 2000, achieving major accomplishments, Champions League titles, and historical transformations. But every project has cycles that come to an end, and we are not here to compete with anyone, but to present a different project based on development and building a new future on this legacy."