Manchester City midfielder Rodri has hinted that players could potentially strike in response to the rising fixture congestion.
Leading football players have expressed serious concerns about the heavy workload as the game moves into a new era of bigger tournaments and more fixtures. As football enters a new landscape of expanded tournaments and more fixtures, top players have raised major alarm bells over the extensive workload.
Ahead of their first UCL match, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson voiced his concern over fixture congestion by saying “players have no other option” and Man City star Rodri looks to completely support that.
Rodri is a key player for Manchester City, recently winning both a Champions League title and the Euro 2024 Championships. Before City’s Champions League opener in their matchup with Inter Milan, Rodri has expressed his concern over the strenuous season ahead.
This change in the Champions League is an increase over the past format of only six group-stage fixtures. Along with the increase in fixtures, all teams that finish in ninth to twenty-fourth places will then have to face a two-legged off-fixture in the knockout phase.
What Rodri said, can players really go on ‘strike’?
As City holds the potential to play a maximum of 75 matches this year with the newly formed Club World Cup, Rodri’s concerns about player welfare are well-timed. Rodri explained:
“From my experience between 40-50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform in the highest level,”
“After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the physical level“
“This year we can go to 70, maybe 80. I don’t know, it depends how far you go in the competitions.”
If the situation does not get resolved right away, players may strike or decide not to play. Rodri did not actively promote a strike but noted a sentiment on this idea exists among the players, stating,
“I think we are close to that. I think if you ask any player he will say the same.
“It is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. I think it’s the general opinion of the players.
“And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think, but let’s see.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”
The conversation around player welfare has gained momentum as the football calendar continues to expand. With more fixtures, including international matches, the risk of injuries and stress grows. The authorities and clubs need to address these concerns to ensure that players can perform at their best and stay fit.
Meanwhile, Liverpool registered their first UCL win under Arne Slot as goals from Konate, Van Dijk, and Szoboszlai helped the Reds to secure a 3-1 win over AC Milan at San Siro.
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