“I think we're close to that” - Manchester City superstar Rodri threatens players will take bizarre action in fight against fixture congestion
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has issued a warning about a potential strike from footballers across Europe if the issue of fixture congestion continues to persist. The Spaniard claimed that the players will have 'no other option' but to boycott if football executives continue to increase the number of games season after season.
The revamped format of the UEFA Champions League sees teams play eight group-stage games instead of six. Teams that reach the final could potentially end up playing 17 continental games besides their existing domestic commitments.
The rejigged Club World Cup is also set to be played at the end of the 2024-25 campaign with 32 participating teams. In the current scenario, top European sides like Rodri's Manchester City could end up playing over 70 games per season.
When asked if players could potentially stage a protest against the fixture scheduling by going on strike, the 28-year-old said (via Mirror):
"I think we're close to that. It's the general opinion of the players, and if it keeps this way, we'll have no other option. I really think it's something that worries us. We are the guys who suffer.”
When asked what would be the ideal number of fixtures in which players could perform to the best of their abilities, Rodri added:
"From my experience, I can tell you that 60 or 70 games – no. Between 40 and 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that, you drop because it's impossible to sustain the physical level."
Last season, Rodri made 56 appearances for club and country, with 10 goals and 14 assists to his name. He lifted the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles with City, and the European Championship title with Spain.
Manchester City superstar Rodri demands more protection for players amid fixture congestion protests
Manchester City superstar Rodri lambasted football's top executives, demanding that they 'take care' of the players amid rising protests over fixture congestion. The Spanish defensive midfielder claimed that players need to rest if 'people want to see better football'.
The 28-year-old said (via Mirror):
"This year we're maybe going to go until 70 or maybe 80 [games]. In my humble opinion, I think it's too much. Someone has to take care of us because we are the main characters of this, let's say, sport, or business, whatever you want to call it."
"Not everything is about money or marketing. It's about the quality of the show. In my opinion, when I'm not tired, I perform better. If people want to see better football, then we need to rest," Rodri added.
Being the favorites to make a deep run in every competition that they participate in, Manchester City could be severely affected by the fixture congestion in the 2024-25 campaign.