Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, has issued a stern warning regarding the demanding number of games players are expected to play each season, suggesting that footballers could consider going on strike if the situation does not improve. Rodri shared his concerns during a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
The Spanish midfielder voiced frustrations over the increasing fixture load, which he claims is becoming unsustainable for players. He called on football governing bodies to prioritize player welfare over financial and marketing interests when organizing competitions.
Rodri stated, “From my experience, I can tell you that 60-70 games per season is too much. Between 40-50 is the right number of games where a player can perform at the highest level. Beyond that, performance drops because it’s physically impossible to maintain that level. This season, we could reach 70 or even 80 games depending on how far we go in the competitions.”
He further emphasized the importance of rest and how playing fewer games could lead to higher quality performances. “Not everything is about money or marketing. It’s about the quality of the show. When I’m not tired, I perform better, and if people want to see better football, we need to rest.”
Rodri also highlighted that Manchester City could play up to 75 games this season, factoring in the expanded Champions League and the upcoming Club World Cup, while international commitments could take some players’ total matches to as high as 85.
The midfielder’s remarks reflect growing concerns among professional players regarding the increasing demands placed on them, and he urged football authorities to take action to prevent potential burnout and injuries.
