The final whistle had blown on the league. Real Madrid had failed to win, slipping further away from Barcelona's grasp. It wasn't just the players that felt the sting of defeat; it was the entire club. The expectations, the pride of the club, had all come crashing down. But within that destruction, a new path began to emerge, and Maradona Pérez, as always, stood at the heart of it.
The Firing of Schuster
By the time the season officially ended, there was no suspense left. The decision had already been made in the higher offices of Real Madrid. Bernd Schuster's tenure as manager was over. After a season marked by a historic defeat, poor tactical decisions, and a lack of harmony with his star players, the board had finally lost patience.
Florentino Pérez was not a man known for his hesitations. The writing had been on the wall for weeks. Schuster's reign had been doomed from the moment he refused to give Maradona the trust he needed. The clash of egos was too much. But it was more than that. It was about the direction of the club, and Schuster had proven unable to lead them into a new era.
At the press conference, Florentino's face was cold and impassive. His words were carefully measured. "Real Madrid is a club that demands the highest standards, both on and off the field. The decision to part ways with Bernd Schuster was not taken lightly, but it was necessary for the future of this great club. We will now focus on rebuilding and preparing for the next season."
Schuster's departure marked the end of an era. The fans knew it, the players knew it, and most importantly, Maradona Pérez knew it.
New Candidates for the Job
With the firing of Schuster, the hunt for a new manager began immediately. Rumors flooded the press about potential candidates. Among the names being thrown around were some of the biggest names in world football. Real Madrid needed someone with a strong tactical mind, someone who could lead this team through the murky waters of rebuilding.
José Mourinho was the first name to surface. His success at Chelsea, his charisma, and his unapologetic style made him an appealing choice. However, rumors swirled that he wasn't entirely in agreement with Florentino's vision for the future of the club, especially concerning the balance between youth development and immediate success. Despite the backing of his supporters, it seemed there were doubts about whether Mourinho would align with the direction the president was pushing for.
Then came Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean coach had impressed with Villarreal, leading them to the semifinals of the Champions League. His methodical and calm approach to management was seen as the perfect antidote to the chaos of the past season. The question, though, was whether he could handle the pressure of coaching Real Madrid—a club where success was not just expected, but demanded.
But there was a more surprising name that caught the media's attention: Zinedine Zidane. His legendary status at the club, combined with his growing reputation as a future coach, made him a wild card. Pérez had always held a soft spot for Zidane, and there were whispers that he had been grooming him for the role behind the scenes. The idea of having a former player, someone with deep ties to the club, take the reins was enticing. But the question was whether Zidane could step into such a huge role with so little managerial experience.
As the board deliberated, one thing became clear: Real Madrid was about to enter a new era, one that would see a shift not only in management but in the entire structure of the club. The decision on the new coach would be pivotal.
Maradona's New Agent
While the club was preparing for a new manager, Maradona Pérez was also making moves in his personal life. His rise to prominence had been meteoric, and with that came the inevitable question: Who would handle his growing brand?
Enter Jorge Mendes—the super-agent. Mendes had his fingerprints all over the footballing world. His clients included Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho, and a host of other elite players. Maradona had always been a savvy businessman, and he knew that with his growing stature, he needed someone who could manage his career with precision.
Mendes had already made waves with some of the biggest deals in football. His reputation was impeccable, and he was the perfect choice for Maradona. With Mendes handling his affairs, Maradona knew that his future would be in the best possible hands.
A meeting was scheduled at a private location in Madrid. Jorge Mendes was calm, collected, as always. "Maradona," he said with his usual smile, "You are one of the brightest stars in world football. But we need to ensure that your path is clear. We'll build your legacy, but it all starts with the right steps."
The contract was signed quickly. It wasn't just about football—it was about creating a brand that would transcend the game. Maradona wasn't just going to be another player. He was going to be a global icon. And with Mendes by his side, the sky was the limit.
A New Contract for Pérez
As the dust settled on the season, Florentino Pérez was also busy securing his future. The pressure on him was immense. Real Madrid had failed to win the league, but Pérez was a master at playing the long game. His focus wasn't just on the immediate present—it was about positioning the club for future success.
The boardroom talks had been intense, but in the end, Pérez secured a new contract with the club. The terms were favorable, giving him the power to oversee the club's long-term vision, which included an emphasis on youth development, strategic signings, and a more balanced approach to the squad.
But Pérez wasn't naive. He knew that the next season was make or break. The pressure to succeed would be greater than ever, and he couldn't afford another season like this one. Real Madrid needed to rise again. And with Maradona at the center of the project, Pérez was determined to make it happen.
Clearing the Old Guard
One of the first moves Pérez made in the aftermath of the season was to start cleaning house. The older players—those who had been part of the decline—were on their way out. Some would retire, others would be sold, but one thing was clear: Real Madrid was no longer a club defined by its past.
The likes of Raúl, Guti, and Roberto Carlos had been incredible servants to the club, but their time had come. Their age and the changing demands of modern football meant they were no longer the players they once were. Their emotional attachment to the club made their departures bittersweet, but it was necessary.
Maradona had seen the writing on the wall. He had always known that to be the leader, he needed to be surrounded by players who matched his hunger, his drive. There would be no place for complacency. The next generation would rise to meet the challenge—and Maradona would lead them.
Preparing for the Summer Transfer Window
The final piece of the puzzle was the summer transfer window. Pérez, with his newfound power and the support of Maradona, would set out to build a team that could take on Barcelona and the rest of Europe.
Maradona's presence in the squad meant one thing above all else: the club would not shy away from making big moves. Players like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Villa were linked with the club in the press, but the key was building a squad that could mesh with Maradona's style of play.
Pérez knew that this summer would be crucial. The fans were demanding immediate results, and the club needed a new identity. The stars of the past were gone, and in their place, a new Madrid was about to rise.
Maradona's influence was already being felt in the transfer strategy. No longer just a player, he was now a leader. His voice in the boardroom was just as important as his presence on the pitch.