Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said players would be willing to take a pay cut if it meant playing lesser games.
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Players continue to oppose the idea of loaded calendar
The packed football calendar has been a hot topic in recent weeks, with several players voicing concerns about the growing number of matches.
Global players’ union FIFPro recently teamed up with several players’ unions in Europe — including the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) — to launch two legal challenges against FIFA’s decision to stage the competition next summer.
The expanded Champions League includes an eight-game league phase and a potential two-legged play-off before reaching the last 16.
Earlier this week, Manchester City midfielder Rodri warned that players are close to going on strike.
Several players, including Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois have supported Rodri’s idea.
- Rodri thinks players could go on strike over loaded calendar
- De Bruyne on calendar: FIFA values money more than players
- Manuel Akanji on loaded football calendar – “I’ll retire at 30”
- Liverpool’s Alisson Becker voices concern about loaded calendar
- Barcelona’s Kounde backs Rodri on going strike
- Real Madrid’s Courtois backs Rodri on players going on strike
Ancelotti says players willing to take a pay cut
Ancelotti also believes that players will take drastic action soon if the congested schedule isn’t resolved.
The Italian manager actually blamed the loaded calendar for the string of injuries the team has suffered this season.
Several Madrid players have sustained injuries and are currently sidelined early in the season.
The list includes midfielders Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Ceballos
“Football needs to reflect because the aim is to try to play less games to have less injuries,” Ancelotti said.
“If that leads to lowering salaries, the aim is for players to play less games so I don’t think the players will have any problem to lower their wages if they play less.”
“The complaints of coaches and players is not going to change this season’s calendar,” Ancelotti said. “It’s important to reflect on this and the players more so because they are getting tired. We have to analyse this. The players are thinking about changes in the future.”
