Rodri has been the most outspoken among a growing number of Manchester City players voicing concerns about the increasing demands placed on footballers.
“I completely agree with everything Rodri has said,” remarked Jules Kounde of Barcelona, echoing a shared sentiment among players.
Ever since Rodri suggested that players might need to strike in response to the mounting pressure on elite footballers, he’s received the backing he was hoping for. While he knew he had the support of his Manchester City teammates, there was a risk that the media or other players might distance themselves from his comments.
However, the PFA quickly came out in support of Rodri’s stance, and Kounde’s recent comments indicate that similar concerns are being raised in Spain.
“The schedule keeps getting longer each year, with more matches and less rest time,” Kounde said this week. “We’ve been talking about this for a long time, but no one listens to us – neither players nor coaches are being heard.”
“There will come a point when we’ll have no choice but to strike, as it’s the only way for decision-makers to understand us. We’re taking more risks, and there are more injuries because of the reduced recovery time. With the Club World Cup now, we’ll be playing close to 70 matches in a season, which is just insane.”
Pep Guardiola initially raised the idea of a strike last season and has been an outspoken critic of the ever-expanding football calendar. Other top players like Bernardo Silva, Manu Akanji, and Erling Haaland have added their voices to the growing concerns over the workload. Haaland even noted that the quality of the Euros this summer suffered due to players being overly fatigued.
Yet, some players seem hesitant to challenge the system too openly. When Haaland was asked to elaborate on his comment about the Euros and the excess of football, he simply responded, “What do you think?” choosing to speak on his own terms.
Likewise, Josko Gvardiol offered a more reserved take on the matter, showing a reluctance to dive too deep into the issue. When asked about the new Champions League format, he sarcastically replied, “Yes. I’m a very big fan of the new format.”
Still, Gvardiol acknowledged the validity of Rodri’s concerns, though he expressed doubt about the impact of these public complaints. “Of course, I’d be happier with more days off, but it is what it is,” he said.
“Whatever I say won’t change anything. I’d prefer more rest, and I think most of my teammates would too. I’m still young and fresh, but the others probably need it more. I’m not in a position to decide or change things.”
This sums up the issue at hand and explains why Rodri is advocating for potential strikes. Players are contracted to play, and as long as games are scheduled, they will take to the pitch. Meanwhile, the governing bodies continue to add more fixtures.p
