The Importance of Respect in Football

Respect serves as the foundation of all interactions; once it is lost, chaos ensues. This principle applies universally, but here I will focus specifically on the realm of football, which stands as a prominent representative of sports in general. In football, it is the players who hold the power, as recently demonstrated by the cancellation of the match in Miami between Villarreal and Barcelona, initially organized by LaLiga in collaboration with an external company. A symbolic strike was sufficient to halt this initiative.

The phrase “the coach has been undermined” is well-known in football circles. In simpler terms, if a team experiences a series of negative results, a change in coaching staff is likely. The prevailing belief in the football community is that the coach bears the brunt of the blame for a team’s poor performance. Clubs are unlikely to dismiss players before coaches, even if it would be more financially prudent. Such dynamics often remain unacknowledged publicly, as admitting them would be seen as unprofessional.

It is widely recognized that players can be self-centered, often viewing themselves as above reproach. This brings me to three incidents this season that I find particularly troubling. Three players from different teams have publicly expressed their frustration at being substituted or not being played at all. In my view, such behavior should not be tolerated as it fundamentally disrespects both the coaches and their teammates, where respect is paramount.

Dani Rodríguez of Mallorca, Vinicius of Real Madrid, and Balliu of Rayo have displayed a blatant lack of respect towards their coaches and fellow players through their reactions to being substituted. This is unacceptable; when respect is forfeited, everything is lost. Coaches like Arrasate, whose demeanor has changed since that day, as well as Xabi Alonso and Iñigo Pérez, deserve better treatment. We must take action against those who, when offered a hand, choose to grasp the arm instead. Selfishness should also be kept in check.