Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, stated this week that the 2024-25 season is expected to be the busiest yet, and that elite-level players are “close” to going on strike.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has expressed his endorsement of the concept of elite-level players going on strike in response to allegations that they are being overburdened.
Guardiola recently heard Rodri, one of City’s most prominent players, urge fellow footballers to take action. The Spanish midfielder’s remarks were made as City and 35 other teams began their Champions League campaigns this week.
The European competitions of this season have been expanded by UEFA, resulting in a greater number of fixtures than in previous formats. The inaugural Club World Cup, which has been expanded, will be held in the United States in June and July at the conclusion of the campaign.
Including Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, numerous top-tier players concur with Rodri. Guardiola has now expressed his backing, despite having previously lashed out at UEFA and cautioned football’s decision-makers about the excessive number of games.
The City manager proclaimed, “I concur that there are numerous voices discussing the players.” “The players are the ones who must initiate any changes.” They are the sole individuals capable of altering a situation. Managers, sporting directors, media, and proprietors may be absent from the organization; however, participants are indispensable. They are the only ones with the authority to accomplish this.
In midweek, Rodri asserted that players were “close” to scoring, stating that “if you ask any player, he will say the same” in advance of City’s goalless draw with Italian giants Inter Milan. This is not my perspective or any other opinion. I believe it is the collective stance of the athletes.
“I am of the opinion that there will be a moment when we will have no other choice, but we will have to wait and see if this continues.” I am uncertain about the outcome; however, it is a source of concern for us, as we are the ones who shall endure the consequences.
Rodri responded, “I do not have an exact figure,” when asked how many games premier footballers should play. Based on my personal experience, I can inform you that the average number of games played per season is 60-70. False. The maximum number of games in which a competitor can perform at their best is between 40 and 50. Afterward, you are unable to maintain the physical level, which is why you decline.
“This year, we have the potential to reach 70, and possibly 80.” I am uncertain; it is contingent upon the extent of your participation in the competitions. In my sincere opinion, it is excessive. I believe it is imperative that we prioritize our well-being. Someone must ensure our well-being, as we are the primary protagonists in this sport, enterprise, or whatever you wish to refer to it as.
“The caliber of the program is not solely determined by money or marketing. I am more effective when I am not fatigued, and in order to showcase a more impressive football game, it is imperative that we take time to recover.
