Real Madrid have endured two difficult campaigns without silverware, while Barcelona have enjoyed a revival domestically. The pressure around the club has increased further after supporters turned their attention towards the directors’ box, putting Pérez under scrutiny during his second spell as president.
Freixa, a former Barcelona presidential candidate who now contributes to SPORT, believes another trophyless campaign could have major consequences for the Madrid president.
“It’s going to be very difficult. We’re coming off two years in which Barça are getting better and better. In football there is no discussion,” Freixa said on La Posesión de SPORT.
“The Spanish national team doesn’t have a Madrid player. The difference between one team and the other is very big. We’ve had two years... and a third year...”
Freixa then pointed to Pérez’s previous departure from the presidency as evidence for his prediction.
“The last time Madrid had three trophyless seasons, it ended with Florentino’s resignation. That is what I predict will happen at the end of this season.”
Pérez resigned as Madrid president in 2009 after a period of increasing criticism, having previously acknowledged that he had spoiled the players during his first spell in charge. He subsequently returned to the presidency and remains in the position after winning another election.
The current situation is complicated by several issues within the squad. Kylian Mbappé’s arrival was expected to begin a new era at Madrid, but the team has struggled to match the expectations surrounding the France captain.
There have also been questions around Vinicius Junior’s contract situation, tensions involving Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, and uncertainty surrounding the transition from Xabi Alonso to José Mourinho and the wider coaching structure.
Mourinho is Pérez’s latest attempt to restore stability and return Madrid to the top of Spanish football. The Portuguese coach has taken over with the expectation of competing for major honours, but another season without a trophy would increase the pressure on both the manager and the president.
Freixa has now made his prediction that a third consecutive trophyless campaign could mark the end of Pérez’s current presidency. Whether that scenario develops will depend on Madrid’s results during Mourinho’s first season back at the club.