Erling Haaland has joined the ongoing discussion around player workload in top-tier football, aligning himself with Manchester City teammate Rodri’s concerns about the relentless match schedule. With football’s calendar becoming increasingly congested, Haaland suggests the strain is pushing elite players toward their limits, even hinting at potential player strikes to demand reform.
Haaland’s comments echo Rodri’s prior statement, where the midfielder revealed discussions among players about striking if their pleas for a reduced schedule were ignored. Since then, Rodri suffered a serious knee injury, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Haaland, having benefited from missing Euro 2024 and enjoying an extended summer break, emphasized how important these rest periods are for both physical and mental rejuvenation.
Discussing the mounting pressure of the football calendar, Haaland warned FIFA, UEFA, and Premier League organizers that the workload is becoming excessive. He noted the addition of new tournaments like the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, calling for more player recovery time.
Reflecting on his break, Haaland said: “You can see it on the pitch. I have much more energy, both physically and mentally. It’s more important than people think to take a break from your job.” He also acknowledged the growing number of matches, stating that it’s been an issue for years, but is now reaching unsustainable levels.
As City prepares for its continued push in both the Champions League and the Premier League, Haaland’s warning highlights the broader concern of balancing player welfare with football’s increasing commercial demands.