Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Rodri, has issued a stark warning that footballers might resort to drastic action if the relentless fixture congestion continues to escalate.
The Spaniard, a key figure in City’s triumphs last season, suggested that a strike could be on the horizon if governing bodies don’t take players’ concerns seriously.
Manchester City’s Rodri Warns of Player Strike Amid Growing Fixture Demands
Speaking ahead of City’s UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan, Rodri didn’t mince his words. With a growing number of competitions and expanded formats putting more strain on players, the 27-year-old raised the alarm about the physical and mental toll on athletes.
“Yes, I think we are close to that,” Rodri responded when asked about the possibility of a players’ strike.
“If it keeps going this way, we will have no other option. It’s something that worries us all.”
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among top footballers who feel the demands of modern football are becoming unsustainable.
This comes as Manchester City prepares to navigate the expanded 36-team Champions League format, a competition that now includes eight league-stage fixtures per club before the knockout rounds. For many, it’s a far cry from the simpler days of the European Cup, when only the reigning national champions competed.
An Endless Calendar
Rodri’s frustrations aren’t isolated. City’s fixture list this season is packed, with the team competing in the Premier League, domestic cups, the Champions League, and the expanded Club World Cup at the end of the season. For many players, the increasingly congested schedule is reaching a breaking point.
“The calendar is just too full,” Rodri explained.
“We love playing football, but it’s becoming harder to perform at our best when there’s barely time to rest and recover. Injuries, burnout, and mental fatigue are becoming more common, and it feels like the authorities don’t really listen to us.”
His concerns were echoed by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson earlier in the week. The Brazilian shot-stopper voiced his frustration after Liverpool’s fixture against AC Milan, noting that players often aren’t consulted when competitions add more games.
“Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games,” Alisson said, underlining the growing discontent among football’s elite.
Pep Guardiola’s Perspective
While Rodri’s warning seemed dire, City manager Pep Guardiola took a more measured approach to the issue. Known for his tactical brilliance, Guardiola chose to focus on the immediate task at hand – their upcoming Champions League matches.
“We’re in our first game now,” he said. “We’ll see how it goes game by game. No need to think too far ahead yet.”
Despite Guardiola’s more reserved stance, Rodri’s words resonate across the football world. The conversation around fixture congestion isn’t new, but with competitions expanding and clubs expected to compete on multiple fronts, it’s become a critical talking point.
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