The Culture of Lament in the King of Sports
In the world of football, complaining seems to have become a common tool among the biggest clubs. Instead of taking responsibility for their own shortcomings, teams like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético de Madrid have chosen to point to the referee and VAR as the main culprits of their recent failures. This trend is not only concerning but also raises questions about the true nature of the sport.
With budgets exceeding one billion euros, it is ironic that these clubs hide behind refereeing decisions to justify their performance. The situation has intensified in recent weeks, where protests have been constant after each match played. However, what many seem to forget is that the real problem might be closer to home: the lack of self-criticism.
As the season progresses, FC Barcelona has conceded 19 goals in 11 matches, which calls into question their ability to compete at a European level. On the other hand, Real Madrid faces the possibility of a second consecutive season without major titles, while Atlético is 16 points behind the leader, yet continues to send letters of protest regarding refereeing. This behaviour is not only perplexing but also a reflection of a culture where crying seems to be more effective than working to improve.
It is not surprising to see prominent figures like Tomás Roncero and Álvaro Arbeloa joining this stream of laments. However, it would be refreshing to hear presidents and coaches acknowledge their mistakes and thank refereeing decisions that go in their favour when they occur. The lack of humility can lead to an endless cycle of excuses and justifications.
It is often said that “he who does not cry does not suckle,” but this old saying should be reevaluated in the current context of professional football. Clubs must understand that their success depends not only on individual talent or refereeing decisions but also on their ability to adapt and learn from their mistakes. Media pressure can amplify these protests, but at the end of the day, it is the results on the pitch that count.
As we approach the end of the season, it is crucial to remember that crying should not be the response to adversity. Clubs must focus on building competitive and responsible teams if they truly wish to achieve their sporting goals. Only then can they leave behind this culture of lament and move towards a more promising future.
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