Real Madrid President Perez calls shock press conference in wake of Clasico humiliation

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has taken the surprise step of calling a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium at 19:30 local time on Monday.

Perez's decision comes in the wake of the club's 4-0 defeat at home to FC Barcelona on Saturday night in a game which Barca humiliated Real Madrid in front of their own fans.

The fans vented their frustration on coach Rafael Benitez, who was criticized for his team selection, but also on Perez with loud calls for him to resign from his position.

Indeed polls run by newspapers in Spain saw fans point to the Madrid president, rather than the coach as responsible for the disaster.

He is also under pressure this week as a court is due to decide on the legality of a decision taken two years ago to limit raise the requirements for anyone wishing challenge Perez for the club Presidency, making it virtually impossible for any other candidates to stand at club elections.

Perez will face the press following a meeting of the club's Board of Directors and it is not known whether he will announce a decision to sack Benitez, who was only appointed in June, or whether he himself could resigns (which is unlikely) although he did resign the Presidency in February 2006, before returning just over 3 years later.

Tuesday will see the Madrid fist team fly to the Ukraine to play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Endit