Man City head coach, Pep Guardiola has reacted to the possibility of footballers going on strike as a result of their hectic football schedule.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reacted to the statement made by his player Rodri of a proposed footballers strike as a result of the hectic match schedule.
Rodri expressed concerns that the increasing number of games is unsustainable, stating that players are “close” to going on strike due to the physical and mental toll.
He stated that the current schedule, with up to 85 games per season, is excessive and that players should only play between 40 to 50 games to perform at their best.
Guardiola echoed Rodri’s sentiments, highlighting that change will only come from the actions of the players themselves. This isn’t the first time Guardiola has spoken out about the issue, previously criticizing the sport’s governing bodies for not prioritizing player welfare.
Other players, like Manuel Akanji and Alisson Becker, have also voiced their concerns about the packed schedule.
The debate surrounding fixture congestion has sparked a larger conversation about player well-being, with some calling for reforms to the football calendar. FIFPRO Europe and the European Leagues have even sued FIFA over the “unsustainable” calendar. It’s clear that the football community is taking notice, and change may be on the horizon.
UEFA has introduced a new-style Champions League format, leading to more fixtures being added to an already-intensive football calendar.
City are also set to play in the revamped Club World Cup at the end of the season, which will feature additional teams and matches, leading to Rodri’s claim that the wellbeing of players was being overlooked, although some have claimed any notion of a strike as ‘nonsense’.
Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference that, “I agree that many voices are talking about the players. If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something. The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it.”
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