Every few days, an absolute howler seems to present itself in the football world. This time around, it was FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta for his "intuitive" comments on Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid.
What's the story?
Well, the man at the helm of the Catalan giants was asked about what he makes of the current Paris Saint-Germain attacker's links to their arch rivals. When he answered, he stated that he felt the move was unlikely to happen because of the current stars in Los Blancos' frontline, and suggested that Mbappe's wages would cause a stir in the dressing room.
Read: Barca chief: Mbappe's salary will destroy Real's dressing room
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he was asked whether his side were envious of Real reportedly landing the Frenchman to which he replied: "I don't envy Madrid. Not at all. Furthermore, we still don't know if he'll sign there. We'll see.
"No, I have intuition. They've got a problem there. They'll have to sell in order to get him, won't they?
"They won't be able to play Mbappe and Vinicius in the same position, will they? And let's not speak about the numbers being quoted.. that'll destroy the changing room, I'm sure."
Laporta's comments may have come from a place of bitterness considering his side's drastic financial situation that would automatically put them out of a race for a player of Mbappe's calibre. Perhaps he had just thought about when they were last in such a powerful position — when they were able to spend large sums on the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and others. Although, their current situation may be a blessing in disguise simply because of the young players they managed to the first team.
His comments, however, could not be more counterintuitive. Firstly, what team that competes on multiple fronts every season would not like to have a frontline that they can chop and change and whoever comes in will uphold the quality of the first choice players?
The opportunity for a manager to add depth to his squad that will play multiple games per week during a long and gruelling season, preventing injuries and fatigue and helping the players to perform at their best throughout the season. Not to mention, the competition for places in the starting line-up would be incredibly tough, which is something that would undoubtedly raise the standards around the club to an even higher level.
Secondly, it is a common thing for wages to be spread out considerably in terms of how much certain players earn. It seems to have become one of things that everybody understands — an unwritten rule if you'd like. The general belief is that players get paid based on how numerous factors including how they good they are, how they perform on a regular basis and so forth.
According to Statista, there is a considerable gap between the highest earners at Barca this season. Frenkie de Jong is believed to be the side's highest earner, with an estimated annual salary of €37.5 million (R770 million). In comparison the seventh-highest earner Ferran Torres is believed to be making €10 million (R205 million).
Nevertheless, the potential inclusion of Mbappe seems to hold more positives than negatives, and Real right-back Dani Carvajal's recent comments about the prospect of becoming teammates with the France international would excite many of those involved with the club.
"In Madrid, the best have to come and he [Mbappe] is one of the best. For the League and our football, it would be good, just like [Robert] Lewandowski has gone to Barcelona," he said per COPE.
He was also asked about a potential negative impact that the move may have on the dressing room, and he hinted at there being a sort of system that ensures all Galacticos get along.
"No jealousy, but the people who have been in the club for the longest time are in charge of everyone rowing in the same direction; that when one derails a little, grab him by the ear and put him on the track of our train."
Read: Al Ahly to make major Tau U-turn?
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: