Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed concerns about the congested football calendar, stating that players are “close” to going on strike. The expansion of the UEFA Champions League this season has resulted in additional games, with some teams needing to play up to ten times to reach the last 16. Furthermore, FIFA will host its inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in June and July, alongside the annual December tournament rebranded as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. With various international breaks throughout the campaign, players are being pushed to their limits.
Rodri himself missed three games at the start of this season due to a hamstring injury shortly after playing in Euro 2024 and missing pre-season. If Manchester City and Spain progress far in their respective competitions, he could face an exhausting 11-month season with nearly 80 games.
The midfielder stated that players can perform at their highest level for around 40-50 games before experiencing a drop in performance due to physical exhaustion. However, this year’s schedule may require them to play up to 70 or even 80 matches. Rodri believes this is too much and emphasized that someone needs to take care of players because they are essential for the quality of football.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has also criticized the schedule changes brought about by the Champions League expansion, while Carlo Ancelotti suggested that Real Madrid’s injury problems were partly caused by excessive game demands.
The concerns raised by Rodri highlight a growing issue within professional football regarding player welfare and maintaining high-quality performances amidst an increasingly packed calendar.
