Players Are Speaking Up 🗣️
This year, we are going [to play] 70, maybe 80 [games]… – Rodri
Soccer fans love the action—whether it’s the Premier League, Champions League, or even international tournaments like the Euros and Copa America, there’s never a shortage of matches to watch. But while we, the fans, enjoy endless games, the reality for the players is quite different.
Manchester City’s Rodri recently spoke up to soccer news about the strain this packed schedule puts on players, and his comments have ignited a conversation about player burnout and the need for change.
Too Many Games, Not Enough Rest
For those of us who live for soccer, the current setup is a dream come true. We can tune in almost every day to watch top-tier matches. Whether it’s a domestic league, international cup, or midweek clash in Europe, there’s always something going on. But what does that mean for the players?
According to Rodri, it’s not all glory and goals. The Spanish midfielder, who recently helped his national team win the Euro 2024, expressed deep concerns about the number of games players are expected to participate in.
“This year, we are going [to play] 70, maybe 80 [games],” he said.
Think about that. Seventy to eighty games! If you add up all the Premier League, UCL schedule, FA Cup, EFL Cup, and international fixtures, it’s no wonder players are feeling the strain.
“You can play 40-50 games at a top level but not 60-70” 🗣️
Rodri says the increased workload for players in the current schedule is “too much” ⚽ pic.twitter.com/rie3CWKDnL
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 17, 2024
Players didn’t have many summer vacations with the Euros and Copa America. Many were back in domestic league action with less than two weeks of rest. The idea of keeping up that level of performance without adequate rest is daunting. “When I am rested and not tired, I perform better,” Rodri admitted. It makes sense, right? Players are human too, and no one can maintain peak performance without recovery.
The Champions League and Club World Cup Add More Pressure
It’s not just domestic leagues that are making players play a lot. The Champions League is getting bigger, so teams like Manchester City will have even more UCL games. FIFA is also starting a new Club World Cup with 32 teams.
Top players are already busy playing for their clubs and countries. They’re worried about having to play even more games. Rodri said that it’s not just about money; we need to think about the quality of the games. If players are tired, they won’t play well.
🗣️ | Rodri: “People on the street say I should win the Ballon d’Or!” @ESPNUK pic.twitter.com/xY64RHfs3c
— City Chief (@City_Chief) September 12, 2024
Fans want to see top players play, but what happens if they’re not feeling good? Injuries, fatigue, and bad performances are happening more often.
Is a Player Strike on the Horizon?
Rodri’s comments come at a time when soccer players across the world are beginning to push back against the demands placed on them. In fact, there have already been soccer rumors, and rumblings of a potential player strike if things don’t change.
Rodri hinted that a strike could be on the cards if organizations like FIFA and UEFA don’t address the concerns players are raising. “If the calendar remains this way, it will be a moment where we will have no other option,” he said.
Rodri has suggested players are “close” to going on strike because of concerns over their increasing workload 😳 pic.twitter.com/P5ZSUamZCV
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 17, 2024
The players’ union, FIFPRO, has even begun legal action against FIFA, claiming that the expansion of tournaments like the World Cup and Club World Cup unfairly increases players’ workload without proper consultation. The union’s stance is clear: something has to give, and it can’t be the players’ well-being.
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