Arbeloa backs Florentino Perez to continue as Real Madrid president

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has backed under-fire president Florentino Perez to continue leading the club following two seasons without a trophy.

Perez said he would not resign from his position during a heated press conference on Tuesday but called for elections to allow any would-be opponents to stand against him.

Aside from a three-year break from 2006 to 2009, the 79-year-old has been in the role since 2000.

Real lost 2-0 in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp to confirm Barcelona as La Liga champions and are reportedly interested in bringing former manager Jose Mourinho back to the club in the summer.

“I know what this club was like before Florentino Perez arrived, and what this club has been like during the 26 years Florentino Perez has been here,” Arbeloa told a press conference ahead of Thursday’s match at home to relegated Real Oviedo.

“I’ll stick with these 26 years, no doubt.

“Beyond the titles, which are something that make us great, that make us different, he has done so many things.

“Alongside Santiago Bernabeu, he’s the most influential person in Real Madrid history.

“If there’s someone capable of turning this situation around, I think it’s Florentino Perez.”

Arbeloa has endured a turbulent and eventful stint since being appointed in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso.

Real were beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals before being eclipsed by bitter rivals Barça in the race for the La Liga title with three games to spare.

There have also been numerous issues to contend with among his playing squad, notably a clash between midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni last week.

Arbeloa denied Madrid’s issues on and off the field represented “rock bottom”.

“Where are other clubs then? It isn’t like we’ve been 50 years without winning anything,” he said.

“Would anyone bet against Real Madrid winning something next season? I don’t understand the analysis of institutional instability, of disaster, of a divided dressing room. I don’t get it.”

Top scorer Kylian Mbappe is in contention to return against bottom club Oviedo after missing Madrid’s last two matches due to a hamstring injury.