The Glory Hunter syndrome - From the perspective of a Barcelona fan

Supporting a team which has earned a truckload of success over a period of time seems so easy. It is a vehicle to make new friends, search out more enemies, and engage in all that mindless mud-slingling that comes with being a fan. However, is it all a bed of roses?

Disclaimer: This work is to be taken truly as a work of fiction. Any views expressed by the author regarding certain decisions by certain clubs are not to be taken as the hard view of the writer, but merely as a means to communicate the intentions of the piece.

One fine morning, as I prepared myself to start yet another day of a mundane life with my morning coffee and the morning newspaper, my eyes fell on one piece of news.

Barcelona sign Neymar from Santos for 57 million euros!

The transfer we all awaited had happened. In our quest to find a strike partner for Lionel Messi, we had proverbially hit the jackpot, as many had reckoned all through. Surely, it would be a dream come true to see these two terrorize defences the world over, even as we finally solved the jarring question: ‘What without Messi?’

However, for some reason, the euphoria I had expected on this news never hit me. Rather, it left me in a somewhat more pensive mood, as my mind wondered on how exactly would the marquee signing fit into the squad. Obviously, it wasn’t my job, but this is how we fans all are. Putting the lack of euphoria down to mere withdrawal, I got on with my work as the day progressed.

Our mess hall was one room buzzing with activity each afternoon as all of us used to plan for the evening, how to tackle various assignments at hand, or simply decide on which matches to watch in the common room that night. Frazzled young boys that we all were, we often found in football a way to forget the worries of our classrooms, trying to immerse ourselves in solving various problems our favourite sides were facing.

Given the magnitude of the transfer, the Neymar deal was admittedly the hot topic that day. While rival fans seemed secretly tense about the implications of that move, my fellow Barcelona fans were ecstatic, believing it to be the foundation of the best strike partnership football would ever see. My disturbed expression stood out in that corner, and a few buddies made note of it.

‘Not feeling well, eh?’

‘I’m fine. Just a little pensive about the Neymar transfer.’

‘Great partnership up ahead, bhai! Just watch as we sweep all accolades next year.’

‘Not really! We need a couple of defenders! Also, the midfield options are choc-a-bloc now.’

‘The midfielders are only going to feed the ball to Messi and Neymar anyway. Who cares?’

Millions celebrate. But who’s real? And who fake?

Lost in this sea of euphoria, I perceived an extremely similar wave going around our corner, mostly comprising of Barcelona fans.

No one seemed worried about the potential trouble Barca’s midfield might be in with this transfer. Sure, even I found Alexis something of a liability at times, but he was basically a right winger.

Iniesta’s moving back into central midfield, where he belongs, could spell doom for Cesc Fabregas, at least till Xavi retired. Also, the potential proliferation of left wingers in the side (we already had Tello and Pedro) was another issue.

Sure, some say that all issues could be resolved by playing Neymar as a striker, but it would be doubtful if Barcelona abandon their successful 4-3-3. The only plausible solution was to play the Brazilian on the wrong flank, but it was a mighty expensive trial to undertake.

Suddenly, my eyes fall on another friend in the crowd with a similar expression of distaste on his face. As he exited the swarm to join me, all he said was:

“They only care about a glut of goals and Messi proving his supremacy over Ronaldo. The rest, to them, are plain numbers made to join the team to ensure the presence of eleven men on the pitch.

I doubt how many fans care about the defence lying in disarray. Even how many respect that very midfield which is the real anchor of all the beauty Barcelona now possesses.

I have nothing against Neymar, he is a fantastic striker, and I truly hope he covers us with glory. Still, how many of them actually respect the roots of the side we so love? The era of Cruyff and the Dream Team? The troika of Figo, Guardiola and Rivaldo? Ronaldinho dashing down the flanks with that trademark smile on his face? It’s just a passing trend, buddy! We’ll see how many of them stay should the balance of power change.”

Even as I felt somewhat comforted, my mind went back to a close friend who was similarly disillusioned when Robin van Persie signed for Manchester United, fearing it would lead to the overshadowing of Welbeck and the other guys United had.

The ensuing season defied all such calls of doom and gloom, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s effective man management prevented any untoward incident. It shall all fall in place, I mused.

As I walked back post lunch, I had one thought spinning in my mind.

Glory hunting is an inevitable part of any sport, particularly those as large as football.

While it remains another manner to express the love for the game, it constantly leaves a true fan bereft of a comforting ear during hard times. It is another extension of the ancient law of success, the more successful one is, the harder it is to find true friends.

The best course of action remains to turn a remain neutral to these people, and move ahead with life, because in the end, those we desire find us.

Till then, we all salute those, who support a team because it strikes a chord with them, and not because it’s the flavour of the month. Wishing all an amazing football season ahead.