Manchester City midfielder, Rodri has reportedly warned that players are ready to go on strike if nothing is done to reduce football’s fixture schedule.
The City midfielder claimed football chiefs must tone back the pressure on players — or risk them taking affairs into their own hands. In comparison to the previous model, clubs are required to play four more games in the redesigned Champions League this season.
Players could end up playing up to 70 games by the end of the season because of the redesigned Club World Cup, which will take place at the end of this season. After playing 64 games for both club and country last season, Rodri was forced off the field due to injury during Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final.
According to The Mirror, the 28-year-old further cautioned that if football’s governing bodies choose not to pay attention, players are prepared to down tools in order to safeguard their physical and mental well-being.
What Did Rodri Say About The Heavy Fixture Schedule?
Asked about players potentially going on strike, Rodri said: “I think we’re close to that. It’s the general opinion of the players, and if it keeps this way, we’ll have no other option. I really think it’s something that worries us. We are the guys who suffer.”
Rodri was asked how many games a player could reasonably play in a season before suffering a physical and mental breakdown.
“From my experience, I can tell you that 60 or 70 games – no,” said Rodri.
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“Between 40 and 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop because it’s impossible to sustain the physical level.
“This year we’re maybe going to go until 70 or maybe 80. In my humble opinion, I think it’s too much”.
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