Calderon blasts 'single-minded' Perez

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has hit out at his successor, claiming Florentino Perez does not listen to those around him and criticising his no-show at the presentation of new coach Jose Mourinho yesterday.

Mourinho signed his four-year contract to become Madrid boss yesterday, succeeding Manuel Pellegrini after the Chilean was sacked last month in the wake of the club's second-place finish in La Liga.

Calderon believes general manager Jorge Valdano and sporting director Miguel Pardeza did not want to part company with Pellegrini but Perez was determined to bring in Mourinho.

He told Catalunya Radio: "I know that neither Valdano nor Pardeza wanted Pellegrini to leave. This is a reality we cannot hide from.

"I would love if Florentino's plan succeeded but he does things without the opinion of those who know. It is a mistake he has not learned from.

"Mourinho has a CV that is beyond dispute and can train at any big club. As we have no crystal ball, we wait to see if he is a great coach.

"If he wins, people forget everything.

"It happened to me with (Fabio) Capello. The public cannot stand not playing well and not winning. The fans want the team to play well. If you end up getting the title, they stay happy."

He continued: "Florentino has used his latest bullet but it's against himself, not against the project. When someone bases their approach on spite, hatred and on trying to erase the past, fate will hand him his reward.

"Having dispensed with (Wesley) Sneijder and (Arjen) Robben just because I signed them seems a mistake. But I know it well. I also know he tried to sell (Gonzalo) Higuain. I don't know if he still wants to sell now. I hope not."

Argentina forward Higuain was the club's top scorer in 2009/10 with 21 goals in the Primera Division.

Calderon also blasted Perez's decision not to turn out at Mourinho's unveiling at the Bernabeu yesterday, leaving Valdano to face the press alongside the Portuguese coach.

"I do not see what good came from (Perez) not being present at Mourinho's presentation," he said. "It was probably because he wanted to force Valdano to play the fool. This makes me a little sad.

"I have great affection for Jorge Valdano. I admire him and consider myself a friend of Jorge Valdano. He has been forced to make a fool of himself."