"Can't just keep adding game after game" - Manchester City star Manuel Akanji says he might have to retire at 30 due to tough schedule
Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji has complained about the gruelling football schedule, stating jokingly that he may be forced to retire early. The Swiss centre-back has joined a long list of players to complain about the ever-increasing number of games played by teams every season.
With the new format of the UEFA Champions League set to add more fixtures for teams in the competition, Akanji spoke about the unrelenting schedule. The defender represented City in the 2023-24 season and played for Switzerland at Euro 2024 until July 6. He then returned to action for the start of the 2024-25 season on August 10, featuring in the Community Shield.
Manuel Akanji sat down for a chat with ESPN, discussing how the governing bodies of football routinely add new games and competitions. He also raised the point of the FIFA World Cup being close, another event recently expanded to 48 teams. He said:
"It's so tough. You don't just think about this season -- but also next season. Let's say we win the league or cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup; the Community Shield is three weeks after. So when do we have holidays?"
"There are no breaks in winter, so if we are lucky we get two weeks and then we need to be back and into next season. Then the next summer it's the World Cup. There's no end to it."
The 29-year-old defender laid out his complaints and joked about potentially retiring next year.
"It's just game after game and I don't know how it will work out over the next couple of years," he added. "You can't just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was. You have to think about the players as well."
"At some point you'll be too tired to play any more games. And then come injuries, definitely. We train as hard as possible and we are fit -- but there has to be a limit. Maybe I'll retire at 30."
The new Champions League format features eight games in the league phase for each team instead of the previous format, which had six group stage games. The new 32-team FIFA Club World Cup is due to kick off in June 2025, meaning that this could potentially be the longest season ever.
Akanji joined fellow Manchester City stars Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in complaining about the schedule. FIFPRO have also filed a legal complaint against FIFA in June over their decision to unilaterally schedule the Club World Cup.
Manuel Akanji has been Mr. Reliable for Manchester City
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji was a shock addition to the Manchester City squad when he joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. His signing has turned out to be an inspired one, as his impressive fitness and availability have made him a key player for Pep Guardiola.
Akanji has already featured seven times for club and country this term and is expected to continue to play a key role for both. Since his arrival at Manchester City, the 29-year-old has played 48 games in his two full seasons at the club, more than any of its other defenders.
The Switzerland international has 127 games to his name for club and country since the start of the 2022-23 season, a testament to his fitness. He is expected to remain a key player for Manchester City, as he remains under contract at the Etihad until 2027.