Real Madrid may have secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu, but club president Florentino Perez used the occasion to deliver a clear and urgent message to the squad that this level of intensity must become the standard, not the exception.

According to Real Madrid Confidencial, the president addressed the players immediately after the match, offering both praise and a firm reminder. 

Despite facing adversity, with 12 players unavailable, Real Madrid managed to fight back and earn three crucial points in the dying moments of the game. Yet, for Perez, the second-half performance was a glimpse of what should have been present all season.

Perez’s warning to the players

“Next year, every game has to be like today’s second half, with this interest, this spirit, this fight for our teammates, this dedication…” were his words, according to the report. 

This was not just encouragement, as it was a pointed reminder that many performances this season had fallen short of Real Madrid’s standards.

Carlo Ancelotti had already praised his players for their grit against Mallorca, recognising the challenges of the injury crisis. 

But Perez’s intervention highlighted a deeper concern about consistency, intensity, and mindset, particularly in games that seemed routine on paper but proved difficult in practice.

Starting a new era

The president’s words reflect a club already looking ahead. Even though Ancelotti’s departure is scheduled following this season, with Xabi Alonso expected to take over, the expectations for next year are already being laid out. 

For Perez and his trusted directors, the second half against Mallorca was a demonstration of Real Madrid’s true DNA.

While Barcelona are widely expected to clinch the La Liga title today against Espanyol, Perez’s message makes it clear that Real Madrid are not giving up. 

The plan now is to finish strong and carry that momentum into the Club World Cup and into the next chapter under new leadership.