Manchester City midfielder Rodri has revealed that elite footballers are considering a strike action due to the increasingly demanding schedule.
Tonight, September 18, Manchester City will kick off their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan as the competition undergoes a transformation, requiring teams to play a minimum of two extra matches in a league format.
Furthermore, Pep Guardiola’s team will also be participating in the new 32-team Fifa Club World Cup at the end of the season, potentially leading to a total of 73 matches in a campaign that began with the Community Shield on August 10.
What Rodri said
In an interview, Rodri expressed concerns over the lack of rest between matches and seasons, citing the physical and mental toll on players.
Rodri said: “I think we are close to that [striking] it’s easy to understand. Ask any player and they will say the same; it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.”
“It’s the general opinion of the players. And If it keeps going 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 is something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”
The Ballon d’Or favourite‘s comments echoed those of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, while the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) is preparing legal action against FIFA over the “overloaded and unworkable” schedule.
The 28-year-old emphasized that players are treated as commodities, prioritizing revenue over well-being.
He added: “Someone has to take care of us because we are the main characters of this sport, or business, or whatever you want to call it. Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show.”
Rodri believes that the ideal number of games per season for peak performance is between 40 and 50.
He concluded: “From my experience I can tell you that 60-70 [is no good]. No. Between 40 and 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.”
Rodri uses Erling Haaland impressive performance to make his point
The Spain international Rodri pointed to Erling Haaland’s extended summer break as a factor in his impressive start.
The Norwegian has been performing at his best since the start of the season, scoring 9 goals in 4 Premier League matches. He currently tops the goal scorer list with 6 goals more than the second-placed Mohamed Salah.
On Erling Haaland, Rodri said: “He had a long break… and you see how he is performing.”
Furthermore, PFA spokesperson also backed the call, stating: “Players are repeatedly saying enough is enough… This must act as a serious wake-up call to the authorities.”
As football’s governing bodies face growing pressure, Rodri’s warning raises questions about whether the authorities will listen to players’ concerns and strike reforms that will prioritize players’ welfare.
With the football schedule continuously growing, what do you believe is the best course of action or most probable response from football governing bodies?
