“Going on a strike for us as players is a possibility” - Real Madrid star hints at players' protest against fixture schedules
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has spoken out against the fixture congestion. The Spaniard talked about protecting players' interests and a potential protest by the players.
Fixture congestion has been a hot topic for a long time now as player welfare takes a backseat with an increasing number of matches to garner higher revenues.
In a conversation with Tiempo de Juego, Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal highlighted that the players were considering speaking out against the increasing fixture pile-up. The defender said that the players are not spoken to before these changes are implemented, something that needs to change.
"Going on strike is an opportunity for us as players. Players are not taken into account, we must speak up and speak out," Carvajal said (via Fabrizio Romano).
The UEFA Champions League also increased the number of matches being played by each participating club from this season. The previous format had teams split into groups of four, who would play six group stage matches before the knockout stages.
With the new format, however, all the teams are grouped in a single table. Each club play eight group stage matches, two more than in the previous format, before the knock-out stages begin.
The increasing number of international and club matches without consultation of the players have forced them to come out in full voice against the change.
Real Madrid defender backs international teammate Rodri
The idea of a players' protest was initially floated by the Real Madrid defender's international teammate, Rodri. He had highlighted the issue of fixture congestion in the press conference ahead of Manchester City's match against Inter Milan.
The best player of the 2024 Euro said that players can play up to 50 matches in a season at the highest level but the current schedule demands them to play up to 80.
"From my experience, playing between 40 to 50 games per season is the optimal number for a player to perform at the highest level. Beyond that, maintaining form becomes impossible. This season, we might end up playing up to 70 or even 80 matches. In my humble opinion, that’s too much," the Spaniard said (via Daily Sports).
The Manchester City midfielder also hinted at players protesting against the fixtures congestion in the future.
"I think we are close to that. It’s a common sentiment among players, and if this continues, we might have no other choice. I genuinely believe this concerns us. We are the ones suffering from it," Rodri added.
Earlier this week, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had admitted that the number of matches in a season are too many and revealed that the players have no say over it. With other players such as Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal also speaking out against the issue, the authorities might be forced to sit up and take notice.