Manchester City midfielder Rodri thinks that players are “close” to going on strike due to concerns over increased games.
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Rodri said players are close to going on “strike”
Rodri, 28, has averaged more than 50 club games a year since joining City in 2019.
The Spain international said that the hectic schedule could lead to players going on strike.
“I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it’s something general,” he said. “If you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.”
“I think it’s the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let’s see.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”
“It’s too much”
Several players have recently expressed their concerns over the jam-packed calendar.
Top international players competing in the Champions League and Club World Cup could play up to 85 games this season.
Meanwhile, Rodri played 63 matches for club and country last season.
Man City will participate in the expanded Champions League and the revamped Club World Cup.
Rodri mentioned that playing more than 50 games could impact a player’s performance and long-term health.
“I don’t have an exact number,” Rodri said. “From my experience I can tell you that 60-70 [games a season]? No. Between 40 or 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the physical level.”
“This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, I don’t know. It depends how far you go in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I think it is too much.”
