La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2023/24

[Merit.s]

Mbappe transfer process needs to be completed immediately by Real Madrid if they want the position left by Benzema to be filled by the player Perez has always wanted to be in the Real Madrid squad. PSG who wanted Mbappe price to be too high made Real Madrid steps stop immediately, Real Madrid considered that the price asked by PSG was too high, which made the negotiation process fail. A personal agreement with Mbappe's representative will not change anything for Real Madrid. When a club is willing to pay Mbappe's release clause as desired by PSG, Real Madrid must be prepared to lose the player they have been after so far playing for another club.

Correct. Even though it would be extraordinary if Real Madrid dared to redeem the current Mbappe from PSG. Because waiting until next season until Mbappe and PSG's contracts run out. so I think until then it's not certain that Mbappe will go to Real Madrid. It is possible that at that time Mbappe would be more interested in going to another club with a higher offer. because we know that many other big clubs like clubs from the premier league also want Mbappe. one of them is Manchester United. even if Manchester United was successfully acquired by Sheikh Jassim. then I think it is possible that Manchester United with its new owner will dare to pay a high price for Mbappe.

Real Madrid needs a replacement for Benzema ASAP. Mbappe is the only player that will fit into such position and Real Madrid knows this. Waiting till next season will be over is a smart one but will Real Madrid accept to be defeated in UCL just as it happened last season. This is what should be put into consideration before they conclude their decision. If PSG is asking for too much,I think that it is because they know that this is the only opportunity for then to make profit from Mbappe whose performance didnt impressed them last season. On the other hand if Real Madrid can afford the price then I see no reason why they wouldn't go for him. He is a good player and a game changer.

[Cookdata]

Real madrid is trying so hard to defend valverde from another club. Liverpool has been sending its bid a few times for valverde but real madrid was rejecting it. I see that how hard liverpool is trying to take madrid's midfielder.
I know that valverde is still having lots of potential. liverpool has bought allister and dominik but that's not enough.

Liverpool as been reportedly sending huge bid for valverde.

Liverpool have made a second offer for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde after having a £69m bid turned down, according to reports in Spain.
The Reds are looking to bring in one more midfielder this summer after sealing a bargain £35m deal for Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and a transfer for Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai.

https://www.football365.com/news/liverpool-second-bid-valverde-real-madrid-klopp-refuses-give-up

Real madrid wants keep him even longer. Valverde is underrated player. Real madrid rejected so many offers from english club for him. Valverde is a really important player for real madrid.

Why is Liverpool making such a strong effort to acquire Valverde despite the proposed sanction imposed on him for allegedly punching Alex Baena in an incident that occurred in April? Even if he transfers to another club, the committee still has the authority to enforce the ban on him if he is found guilty. Unless Real Madrid is no longer interested in him, there must be a reason why they extended his contract until 2027, but, Klopp remains determined to pursue Ancelotti with a $77 million offer.

There is a unique habit I found out about Real Madrid, they don't give players exceptional offers if they don't have a long contract with the players, there is a reason why they need Valverde, and I believe if Liverpool fails in this bid, he will undoubtfully be among Real Madrid attackers by next season.

[shinratensei_]

Mbappe transfer process needs to be completed immediately by Real Madrid if they want the position left by Benzema to be filled by the player Perez has always wanted to be in the Real Madrid squad. PSG who wanted Mbappe price to be too high made Real Madrid steps stop immediately, Real Madrid considered that the price asked by PSG was too high, which made the negotiation process fail. A personal agreement with Mbappe's representative will not change anything for Real Madrid. When a club is willing to pay Mbappe's release clause as desired by PSG, Real Madrid must be prepared to lose the player they have been after so far playing for another club.

It's gonna happen only if perez will be confirming the club to spend at least €250 for mbappe which is impossible to happen. Madrid prefers to take a striker from another club rather than paying such an amount to the PSG.
Madrid is now targeting some players. The club will not be buying the new striker. Madrid will take it as loan. Giving permanent transfer as optional if the new striker gonna show amazing performance with madrid.
Madrid has been experiencing so many failed transfer like hazard. The club will not be stupid enough to repeat that mistake even though mbappe will be very capable to play for real madrid as a striker.
Mbappe's not madrid's priority for now. Maybe next year.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

PSG and Tottenham are in a dilemma with the situation of their flagship players, Mbappe and Harry Kane who have shown their displeasure with their clubs by rejecting offers of contract extensions, but the clubs are still adamant about keeping them.
Imo, Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with the players concerned, one or even both of them can be brought in for free next season. PSG and Tottenham will be sorely disappointed when their flagship players leave for free having earned nothing for their departure to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid have been very selective in the transfer market this summer and seem to be waiting and not rushing into making decisions. If you look at the team's needs, an attacker is one of their needs in the next season because the loss of Karim Benzema will definitely affect Real Madrid's appearance next season. If Mbappe and Harry Kane are not released in the transfer market this summer then they are free transfers the following season and it will be detrimental to PSG andTottenham if the player does not wish to personally renew his contract.

Real Madrid needs a striker next season and if you hope that Mbappe or Harry Kane will come in the following season it will have an impact on this season's performance in the league. Real Madrid must also prepare other options because competition in La Liga and in the Champions League will be increasingly competitive.

[len01]

-snip

Real Madrid needs a replacement for Benzema ASAP. Mbappe is the only player that will fit into such position and Real Madrid knows this. Waiting till next season will be over is a smart one but will Real Madrid accept to be defeated in UCL just as it happened last season. This is what should be put into consideration before they conclude their decision. If PSG is asking for too much,I think that it is because they know that this is the only opportunity for then to make profit from Mbappe whose performance didnt impressed them last season. On the other hand if Real Madrid can afford the price then I see no reason why they wouldn't go for him. He is a good player and a game changer.

we have to get out of this drama and accept the fact that Mbappe will not be obtained by Real Madrid because it is very unlikely that Madrid will have to spend more money for one player and on the one hand if you manage to get Mbappe this will be an unequal salary between other players and Mbappe.
this salary imbalance makes other players feel unfair and this will affect performance. but let's see if Real Madrid will surprise them by keeping Mbappe or choosing another player. otherwise, maybe Real Madrid will end up being like last season.

[zuzie]

Mbappe has a firm stance on moving to Real Madrid, and the initiative is mutual. The only thing is that Real Madrid themselves have stated that they will begin to work on the transfer next year, plus the Frenchman still has a contract with PSG

Mbappe is interested in joining Real Madrid, I have heard about it a lot. But Real Madrid themselves didn't put too much effort into signing him and approached PSG openly and made an offer. Real Madrid only seemed to have made a personal agreement with Mbappe's representatives, and perhaps it was Real Madrid's way of bringing Mbappe to the Bernabeu for free.

Mbappe transfer process needs to be completed immediately by Real Madrid if they want the position left by Benzema to be filled by the player Perez has always wanted to be in the Real Madrid squad. PSG who wanted Mbappe price to be too high made Real Madrid steps stop immediately, Real Madrid considered that the price asked by PSG was too high, which made the negotiation process fail. A personal agreement with Mbappe's representative will not change anything for Real Madrid. When a club is willing to pay Mbappe's release clause as desired by PSG, Real Madrid must be prepared to lose the player they have been after so far playing for another club.

I think Real Madrid can wait another year to add Kylian Mbappe to their free roster. If Psg wants to sell it, they have to agree on a price. He has one year until his contract expires and if they can't sell him in this transfer window, he will be at Real Madrid for free next year. This is something Psg would not want.

Especially after the departure of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe's opportunities to join Real Madrid is increasingly open. We're just waiting to see how the two teams make an agreement in this regard
I know Carlo Ancelotti has missed several seasons since he was interested in Mbappe, he will wait until Mbappe's contract with Paris Saint Germain expires to bring the young player to the Santiago Bernabeu and will form a trio with Vinicius and Rodrygo

[indah rezqi]

Especially after the departure of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe's opportunities to join Real Madrid is increasingly open. We're just waiting to see how the two teams make an agreement in this regard
I know Carlo Ancelotti has missed several seasons since he was interested in Mbappe, he will wait until Mbappe's contract with Paris Saint Germain expires to bring the young player to the Santiago Bernabeu and will form a trio with Vinicius and Rodrygo

For now Real Madrid really needs a striker after Karim Benzema left. Joselu who borrowed one season from Espanyol was not so convincing to be able to replace the role of Benzema who went to the Saudi Arabian League. Madrid seems to be very difficult to bring Mbappe this season, considering that PSG Luis Enrique's new coach really needs his services. It is also impossible for PSG to release Mbappe with a free transfer of next year they will definitely send a new contract extension with a large salary and bonus option to Mbappe to survive at PSG.

On the other hand I think Real Madrid is also not a typical club who wants star class players with transfer free status like Mbappe's move options. If Madrid wants certain players to be part of them next season, it is almost certain that they can bring it, Perez's cold hands are still very effective to do it.

[Falconer]

For now Real Madrid really needs a striker after Karim Benzema left. Joselu who borrowed one season from Espanyol was not so convincing to be able to replace the role of Benzema who went to the Saudi Arabian League. Madrid seems to be very difficult to bring Mbappe this season, considering that PSG Luis Enrique's new coach really needs his services. It is also impossible for PSG to release Mbappe with a free transfer of next year they will definitely send a new contract extension with a large salary and bonus option to Mbappe to survive at PSG.

On the other hand I think Real Madrid is also not a typical club who wants star class players with transfer free status like Mbappe's move options. If Madrid wants certain players to be part of them next season, it is almost certain that they can bring it, Perez's cold hands are still very effective to do it.

I have said many times that Joselu is only an alternative option to replace Benzema, but Joselu was not brought in to replace Benzema. Real Madrid definitely need a quality and faster striker in the long term and I think they are prioritizing those transfers.

To be honest, I would definitely be happy if Kylian Mbappe could really be brought in by Perez to Real Madrid. It doesn't matter when, but I'm sure that the sooner Perez fulfills his contract, the better it will be for Real Madrid. Losing Benzema left a big hole, so Real Madrid had to deal with it quickly.

[sana54210]

There are several considerations that must be considered in this matter, because apart from this player it is a business and of course Madrid is also trying to minimize the large amount of finances in recruiting Mbappe if they intend to bring in this player.
We know Mbappe's current value is around 300 million and this certainly exceeds expectations for the price of a player.
Indeed, if we are looking for a replacement for Benzema then Mbappe can be a decent figure and can be used as a benchmark for attack lines, but when the price set by PSG is also very high then surely Madrid will try to play some tricks so they can get Mbappe but at a price that is not too expensive.

Why would Real act quickly and lose nearly 200-300 million just to get him one season early when they are aware that they could get him next season for free? They are not going to offer a lot, maybe they can offer just a bit to get him for one season early and use him for a whole season, that's not a bad thing you can still offer some money for one more season of him, that's good but 300? Of course not.

You do not pay 300 million for just a single season of him and you pay him next season directly instead. Why would I want to pay 300 to the club and 120 to a player when I can just pay 150 million to player and zero to team? That way player would be more happy with me and I would be in so much profit, that's like 3 years of Mbappe instead of 1 more season of him instead.

[Fuso.hp]

-snip

Real Madrid needs a replacement for Benzema ASAP. Mbappe is the only player that will fit into such position and Real Madrid knows this. Waiting till next season will be over is a smart one but will Real Madrid accept to be defeated in UCL just as it happened last season. This is what should be put into consideration before they conclude their decision. If PSG is asking for too much,I think that it is because they know that this is the only opportunity for then to make profit from Mbappe whose performance didnt impressed them last season. On the other hand if Real Madrid can afford the price then I see no reason why they wouldn't go for him. He is a good player and a game changer.

we have to get out of this drama and accept the fact that Mbappe will not be obtained by Real Madrid because it is very unlikely that Madrid will have to spend more money for one player and on the one hand if you manage to get Mbappe this will be an unequal salary between other players and Mbappe.
this salary imbalance makes other players feel unfair and this will affect performance. but let's see if Real Madrid will surprise them by keeping Mbappe or choosing another player. otherwise, maybe Real Madrid will end up being like last season.

I think at the moment Real Madrid will not look at anyone else as Mbappe's replacement. Because they have been keeping an eye on Mbappe for a long time and are very interested in signing Mbappe. Real Madrid is quite a rich club financially but they never waste their money. They spend money on players who can play a bigger role for the team. And later those who can sell to other clubs with a higher price than the purchase price. Mbappe's move to Real Madrid is not impossible. Since Mbappe is willing to come to Real Madrid, I don't think money will be too much of a problem. If the Real Madrid president and Mbappe sit down to discuss this matter, a good decision will come.

[marcous]

we have to get out of this drama and accept the fact that Mbappe will not be obtained by Real Madrid because it is very unlikely that Madrid will have to spend more money for one player and on the one hand if you manage to get Mbappe this will be an unequal salary between other players and Mbappe.
this salary imbalance makes other players feel unfair and this will affect performance. but let's see if Real Madrid will surprise them by keeping Mbappe or choosing another player. otherwise, maybe Real Madrid will end up being like last season.

Each League has its own rules or regulations related to buying and selling players, player salary amounts, and so on. But for La Liga it seems that this regulation is not as detailed as that applied by UEFA in the Champions League and Europa League. If Mbappe is brought in by Madrid, a significant gap will be created in the Madrid squad regarding the player's salary. Mbappe will definitely earn a sizable salary above the rest of the players if he makes a move, it can affect the team's performance and I agree with you on this.

While they have recently let go of players like Hazard, Benzema, Asensio and Diaz, this has added to their financial coffers to sign other players, but apparently not with Mbappe. Jude Belingham, Joselu and Fran Garcia are three names that have officially strengthened Madrid next season. In addition, the return of some of their loan players from other clubs has not been able to make Ancelotti satisfied. as long as he has not been able to find a suitable substitute for Benzema, Mbappe has always been linked as a replacement.

[Davidvictorson]

Real Madrid needs a replacement for Benzema ASAP. Mbappe is the only player that will fit into such position and Real Madrid knows this. Waiting till next season will be over is a smart one but will Real Madrid accept to be defeated in UCL just as it happened last season. This is what should be put into consideration before they conclude their decision. If PSG is asking for too much,I think that it is because they know that this is the only opportunity for then to make profit from Mbappe whose performance didnt impressed them last season. On the other hand if Real Madrid can afford the price then I see no reason why they wouldn't go for him. He is a good player and a game changer.

Benzema occupied was a key component in Real Madrid. He was one of the most consistent and well respected player. For me I would agree that he was like the fulcrum that held the team in perfect balance and he has left a big shoe to be filled. For me anyone who would fill his shoes must be someone who plays similarly him and has a big bright smile. Julian and Kane are perfect; Julian would be more cooperative with the team and would provide good passes to Vini and Rodrygo, and he has good finishing abilities. Kane would be the most complete; he is very cooperative with the team, has good passing skills, and is a natural goal scorer. The downside is that he is 30 years old, and it's uncertain if he would adapt to the Spanish League.

[BALIK]

There are several considerations that must be considered in this matter, because apart from this player it is a business and of course Madrid is also trying to minimize the large amount of finances in recruiting Mbappe if they intend to bring in this player.
We know Mbappe's current value is around 300 million and this certainly exceeds expectations for the price of a player.
Indeed, if we are looking for a replacement for Benzema then Mbappe can be a decent figure and can be used as a benchmark for attack lines, but when the price set by PSG is also very high then surely Madrid will try to play some tricks so they can get Mbappe but at a price that is not too expensive.

Why would Real act quickly and lose nearly 200-300 million just to get him one season early when they are aware that they could get him next season for free? They are not going to offer a lot, maybe they can offer just a bit to get him for one season early and use him for a whole season, that's not a bad thing you can still offer some money for one more season of him, that's good but 300? Of course not.

You do not pay 300 million for just a single season of him and you pay him next season directly instead. Why would I want to pay 300 to the club and 120 to a player when I can just pay 150 million to player and zero to team? That way player would be more happy with me and I would be in so much profit, that's like 3 years of Mbappe instead of 1 more season of him instead.

If Real Madrid actually does pay anything more than 100 million for Mbappé right now it is going to be a very disappointing decision from them. And I know that for 100 million he is not going to come to Real Madrid, or more like PSG is not going to let him go for only a hundred million. I believe Real Madrid should move forward by just keeping Mbappé as a second option. Because of course, Real Madrid is not going to pay 200,000,000 for him right now.

And who knows PSG might be asking for more. At the same time, Real Madrid will have to perform well in the upcoming season. So they should already invest in someone like Victor Osimhen or Harry Kane in my opinion.

[Mame89]

we have to get out of this drama and accept the fact that Mbappe will not be obtained by Real Madrid because it is very unlikely that Madrid will have to spend more money for one player and on the one hand if you manage to get Mbappe this will be an unequal salary between other players and Mbappe.
this salary imbalance makes other players feel unfair and this will affect performance. but let's see if Real Madrid will surprise them by keeping Mbappe or choosing another player. otherwise, maybe Real Madrid will end up being like last season.

Seeing the development of Mbappe's drama, it is very interesting to follow lately. Did Mbappe play Real Madrid's offer for the second time because last season Mbappe also failed to move to Real Madrid. Even though at this time Real Madrid really needs a striker who can replace number nine, which is left by Benzema.

There are currently no signs of Mbappe leaving PSG. Mbappe has signed numerous commercials and documentaries with multiple broadcast channels (PSG). He had planned that he would not move clubs this season and has publicly said that he will stay at PSG for the season and he is not renewing his contract meaning he will be leaving for free. Psg found out about this plan that's why they suddenly forced him to renew his contract which he refused. So psg are selling him now this transfer window but I don't think any club will buy him at such a high price now especially he is a free agent next season.

[Josefjix]

I think at the moment Real Madrid will not look at anyone else as Mbappe's replacement. Because they have been keeping an eye on Mbappe for a long time and are very interested in signing Mbappe. Real Madrid is quite a rich club financially but they never waste their money. They spend money on players who can play a bigger role for the team. And later those who can sell to other clubs with a higher price than the purchase price. Mbappe's move to Real Madrid is not impossible. Since Mbappe is willing to come to Real Madrid, I don't think money will be too much of a problem. If the Real Madrid president and Mbappe sit down to discuss this matter, a good decision will come.

PSG are unwilling to let go of one of the club's most well-known players; he earned a name for himself at Parc des Princes, and his presence in the club means a lot to many Parisians. The board would want to get a lot out of the Frenchman's deal since allowing him leave as a free agent next season would be a huge loss for the club. Real Madrid is a world-class club, and they are in a strong position to capture Kylian Mbappe, who is their main objective this season. Let's wait and watch how everything concerning this spectacular speedster play out.

[rahmad2nd]

~~

Real Madrid have been very selective in the transfer market this summer and seem to be waiting and not rushing into making decisions. If you look at the team's needs, an attacker is one of their needs in the next season because the loss of Karim Benzema will definitely affect Real Madrid's appearance next season. If Mbappe and Harry Kane are not released in the transfer market this summer then they are free transfers the following season and it will be detrimental to PSG andTottenham if the player does not wish to personally renew his contract.

Real Madrid needs a striker next season and if you hope that Mbappe or Harry Kane will come in the following season it will have an impact on this season's performance in the league. Real Madrid must also prepare other options because competition in La Liga and in the Champions League will be increasingly competitive.

In this phase, it is a difficult choice for PSG to let go of its players. however, if Mbappe is adamant about sticking to his statement by not extending his contract. that means, PSG will look for a strong candidate club that wants the services of this player from France. but are there many clubs willing to bring in Mbappe with a fantastic salary, the only realistic team is Madrid. Madrid can bring in Mbappe, even the problem of salary is not a big problem for them it seems. in particular, currently Don Carlo has only signed Joselu "as far as I know". thus, it is possible that Madrid will propose to Mbappe even though the President of Madrid previously stated that he would not bring in another striker. but, anything can happen.

If in the end Madrid really doesn't bring in another striker, don't get your hopes up that they will become a superior team, especially in the Champions League. the thing is, we haven't seen Joselu's performance with Madrid. for Harry Kane, I don't think Don Carlo would sign him. it's simple, besides Kane's expensive bandrol, Madrid only wants Mbappe, who is Karim Benzema's successor. after all, right now Kane is close to Bayern. so ideally, Madrid only wants Mbappe and vice versa the club that Mbappe wants is Madrid. So, let's see how each progresses.

[Marykeller]

-snip

Real Madrid needs a replacement for Benzema ASAP. Mbappe is the only player that will fit into such position and Real Madrid knows this. Waiting till next season will be over is a smart one but will Real Madrid accept to be defeated in UCL just as it happened last season. This is what should be put into consideration before they conclude their decision. If PSG is asking for too much,I think that it is because they know that this is the only opportunity for then to make profit from Mbappe whose performance didnt impressed them last season. On the other hand if Real Madrid can afford the price then I see no reason why they wouldn't go for him. He is a good player and a game changer.

we have to get out of this drama and accept the fact that Mbappe will not be obtained by Real Madrid because it is very unlikely that Madrid will have to spend more money for one player and on the one hand if you manage to get Mbappe this will be an unequal salary between other players and Mbappe.
this salary imbalance makes other players feel unfair and this will affect performance. but let's see if Real Madrid will surprise them by keeping Mbappe or choosing another player. otherwise, maybe Real Madrid will end up being like last season.

Any club looking to sign Mbappe should be aware that he is already an expensive player. If Real Madrid were to sign him, they would need to have the financial means to do so and offer him more money than any of their other players.

Mbappe will have the same effect on the field of play for Real Madrid as Benzema did. Despite his high price, signing him is not a bad idea.
Mbappe is the ideal candidate, in my opinion, to take Benzema's place at Real Madrid, so they ought to think about signing him.
Real Madrid needs a player who will inspire and have a significant impact on their team because they have champions league games to play, and Mbappe is the ideal candidate for that.

[harapan]

Benzema occupied was a key component in Real Madrid. He was one of the most consistent and well respected player. For me I would agree that he was like the fulcrum that held the team in perfect balance and he has left a big shoe to be filled. For me anyone who would fill his shoes must be someone who plays similarly him and has a big bright smile. Julian and Kane are perfect; Julian would be more cooperative with the team and would provide good passes to Vini and Rodrygo, and he has good finishing abilities. Kane would be the most complete; he is very cooperative with the team, has good passing skills, and is a natural goal scorer. The downside is that he is 30 years old, and it's uncertain if he would adapt to the Spanish League.

Kane would fit in so well to Madrid. He is a like for like replacement for Benzema. A perfect replacement, if not better.
Kane knows how to create chances with the ball and off the ball. His off the ball movement is so good.
To me, Kane's age doesn't matter. He looks like a player than will be at top level for at least four more years.

If not for the age difference, I would have wanted Madrid to pursue Kane and leave Mbappe. Kane would play the center forward role better than Mbappe. Mbappe would excel better from the wing but Vinicius has that covered.
Kane is a complete striker that can score goals and create goals too. Too bad Madrid wont be able to buy both Mbappe and Kane.

[Altryist]

Benzema occupied was a key component in Real Madrid. He was one of the most consistent and well respected player. For me I would agree that he was like the fulcrum that held the team in perfect balance and he has left a big shoe to be filled. For me anyone who would fill his shoes must be someone who plays similarly him and has a big bright smile. Julian and Kane are perfect; Julian would be more cooperative with the team and would provide good passes to Vini and Rodrygo, and he has good finishing abilities. Kane would be the most complete; he is very cooperative with the team, has good passing skills, and is a natural goal scorer. The downside is that he is 30 years old, and it's uncertain if he would adapt to the Spanish League.

In the last season, Benzema was not as useful a player as he was before, he had injuries and he did not score goals very well, it was clear that he was not able to reach his optimal form. Vinicius was better, faster and it's not surprising he is younger and I suppose that now he will take the lead in Real Madrid's attack. It was great to see Mbappe in attack with him, I think Real Madrid is working on it now.

[borovichok]

In the last season, Benzema was not as useful a player as he was before, he had injuries and he did not score goals very well, it was clear that he was not able to reach his optimal form. Vinicius was better, faster and it's not surprising he is younger and I suppose that now he will take the lead in Real Madrid's attack. It was great to see Mbappe in attack with him, I think Real Madrid is working on it now.

Karim Benzema was not fit for goal scoring positions for the Los Blancos due to severe ailments, but he still stood out and proved he's the top striker for Real Madrid.  I recall him delivering the club numerous times in terms of hardback toward goal scoring. Vinicius Jnior, on the other hand, was a tremendous assist for the striker, providing critical passes that led to goals and also scoring himself. One thing I admired about the Brazilian winger was his strong footwork on the ball. Real Madrid will find a suitable substitute for Benzema and strengthen their front lines.