Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, has expressed serious concerns about the overwhelming number of games top soccer players are facing, suggesting that they are nearing a point of potential strike action.
During a press conference on Tuesday, he was asked if players might refuse to participate due to the congested match calendar.
Rodri replied, “I think we are close to that,” ahead of City’s Champions League match against Inter Milan on Wednesday. “It’s easy to understand. You ask any player, and they will echo the same sentiment. This isn’t just my opinion; it’s a shared concern among players.”
He added, “If the schedule continues like this, there will come a time when we have no choice. It’s worrying for us because we are the ones who bear the consequences.”
Rodri is anticipated to make his season debut for City against Inter at the Etihad Stadium, having enjoyed an extended break after helping Spain secure the Euro 2024 title in July.
The recent announcement by FIFA regarding a 32-team Club World Cup, set to occur every four years, has been deemed a significant factor in the expansion of international competitions. The global players’ union, FIFPRO, has initiated legal action against FIFA, arguing that the demands on players are excessive and made without adequate consultation.
Rodri emphasized that players can maintain peak performance with a workload of 40 to 50 matches per season, not the 60 to 70 games that could be required if City progresses deep into various tournaments.
For context, Julian Alvarez, who recently transferred from City to Atletico Madrid, was included in 83 match-day squads last season, while Phil Foden participated in 72 matches.
“In my view, it’s simply too much,” Rodri remarked. “We need to prioritize our well-being. Someone needs to advocate for us because we are the key players in this sport and industry.”
He continued, “It’s not only about money or marketing; it’s about the quality of the game. Personally, when I am well-rested and not fatigued, I perform significantly better. If fans desire to witness high-quality football, adequate rest is essential.”
Notably, Erling Haaland, a star striker for City, had a summer off since the Norway national team did not qualify for Euro 2024. He has made a strong start to the season, netting nine goals in City’s first four matches.
Rodri concluded, “This situation highlights why we are raising these concerns.”
