Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that if football’s increasing fixture congestion is to be addressed, the initiative must come from the players themselves.
This follows comments from City’s midfielder Rodri, who recently suggested that players are nearing the point of striking due to the overwhelming number of games in the football calendar.
“If anything is going to change, it has to start with the players. They’re the only ones with the power to make a difference,” Guardiola said.
“The business can go on without managers, directors, media, or even owners, but without players, there’s no football. They hold the key.”
In July, the global players’ union Fifpro announced its intention to take legal action against FIFA, accusing the organization of exploiting its dominant position.
Fifpro’s report highlighted the growing concern over player welfare, setting a “red line” at 50 to 60 matches per season depending on a player’s age.
🗣️ “If something’s going to change it must come from the players”
Pep Guardiola expresses his feelings after Manchester CIty’s Rodri suggested players were close to striking because of increases to the footballing calendar 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/qmeEa7b3S0
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 20, 2024
Next season, the football schedule could stretch until mid-July, with the expanded Club World Cup set to conclude on July 13.
For Manchester City, their participation across multiple competitions—including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, Club World Cup, and Community Shield—could result in as many as 76 matches during the 2024-25 campaign.
This figure does not account for international fixtures, further highlighting the demands placed on top players.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shared Guardiola’s concerns, agreeing that the current schedule is overwhelming for players.
He said: “There’s no question, the number of games is excessive.
“We aren’t doing enough to protect the players, and it’s wrong. They’re the only ones who can bring about change, and we can only support them in that.”
“In the past weeks, some players have spoken out, and that’s a good first step. For them, striking is something they’ve considered.”
