Rodri has cautioned that players will be prepared to initiate a strike if measures are not implemented to alleviate their fixture congestion.
The Manchester City midfielder stated that football authorities must reduce the expectations placed on players, or they may resort to self-advocacy. This season, the restructured Champions League may require participants to participate in four more matches relative to the previous system.
With the restructured Club World Cup scheduled for the conclusion of this season, players may potentially participate in up to 70 matches at the campaign’s completion. Rodri, who participated in 64 matches for club and country last season, was substituted at half-time due to injury during Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory against England.
The 28-year-old cautioned that players are prepared to cease participation to safeguard their physical and emotional well-being if football’s governing bodies remain unresponsive to their concerns.
In response to inquiries over the possibility of a player strike, Rodri stated: “I believe we are nearing that point.” The prevailing sentiment among the players is that if the situation persists, we will have no alternative. I believe that is a matter of concern for us. We are the individuals that endure hardship.
Rodri was inquired about the maximum number of games players may realistically participate in during a season before their performance declines due to physical and mental strain.
“Based on my experience, I can assert that 60 or 70 games – no,” stated Rodri. The optimal number of games in which a player may compete at peak performance ranges from 40 to 50. Subsequently, one declines due to the inability to maintain the physical standard.
This year, we may reach 70 or maybe 80. In my perspective, that is excessive.It is imperative that someone attends to our needs, as we are the principal figures in this endeavor, whether it be classified as a sport or a company.
Not all matters pertain to financial gain or promotion. The focus is on the quality of the performance. In my view, my performance improves when I am not fatigued. To enhance the quality of football, it is imperative that we provide for adequate relaxation.
This follows Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson expressing same fears before to the Reds’ Champions League match against AC Milan.
He stated, “No one inquires about the players’ perspectives regarding the addition of more games, suggesting that our opinions may be inconsequential.” However, it is widely acknowledged what our opinions are. Everyone gets fatigued by it.
“We are not ignorant and comprehend that.” We acknowledge that individuals desire an increased quantity of games. It is remarkable for the supporters. Increased quantity of games, larger-scale competitions, and matchups between prominent teams.
“However, this is not solely a question I ought to address. It is essential to convene together and consider all perspectives, as we recognize the influence of media, television, UEFA, FIFA, the Premier League, and domestic championships.
“It would be prudent for all the individuals I referenced – those responsible for creating and organizing the calendar – to convene and consider all perspectives, including those of the players.” Numerous players have previously spoken on the matter. We only require attentive listening.
“Our intention is to convene and comprehend the strategic direction that football intends to pursue.”
“Not merely incorporating games, but also introducing competitions and various elements.” Our objective is to excel in football; fatigue impedes high-level competition.
I aspire to perform optimally in all my games, although we require a resolution. It appears that we are not nearing an optimal resolution for the benefit of football and its players.
A spokeswoman for the PFA has subsequently stated:A spokeswoman for the PFA stated:
“In recent weeks, our members have explicitly expressed their concerns regarding the fixture calendar and player workload.”
“Athletes and their unions have requested to be heard and to play a pivotal role in these processes.” When disregarded, the logical result is that players will start to evaluate all available possibilities.
“Players are consistently asserting that they have reached their limit, and this should serve as a significant wake-up call to the authorities.”
