Premier League players should have the “power” and fitness to play three times a week, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has said amid a debate over the demands the footballing calendar is placing upon squads.
Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has suggested he could retire at 30 because of the schedule, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson said on Monday that stars are not consulted about fixture congestion and “everybody knows” what players think about the issue.
“In my opinion, the players should have the power and athletic base to play three games in a week,” said Hurzeler, who has intensified training at Brighton during his first season in England.
“All of the teams who play in the Champions League and Europe have to play this rhythm of three games in a week.”
Straight back to work! 💪 pic.twitter.com/F0MNUB206P
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 16, 2024
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Akanji: Players ‘tired’
Switzerland international Akanji pointed out that City and their fellow Champions League entrants will face a minimum of eight games rather than six in this season’s expanded competition, potentially rising to 10 if a play-off is required to decide their place in the knockout stage.
“At some point, you’ll be too tired to play any more games,” he said. “Then come injuries, definitely. We train as hard as possible and we’re fit – but there has to be a limit.
“We have the Club World Cup at the end of this season – it’s just game after game and I don’t know how it will work out over the next couple of years.
“Let’s say we win the Premier League or FA Cup, then go to the final of the Club World Cup. The Community Shield is three weeks after.”
“Nobody asks the players what they think about more games.”
Liverpool’s Alisson says “our opinion doesn’t matter” when it comes to fixture congestion. pic.twitter.com/eBTZtk9aZb
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 16, 2024
Carabao Cup: Brighton vs Wolves
Brighton reached the Europa League round of 16 last season but are only involved in domestic competitions in 2024-25, continuing with an all-Premier League fourth round tie at home to Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (7.45pm BST).
“I’m completely convinced that everyone who will be on the pitch can compete with a Premier League club like Wolverhampton,” said the 31-year-old.
“On the other side, we have to have discussions about who needs a break. They’ve had international matches and long travels so there will be some rotation.
“The Carabao Cup is a chance to win a title and, therefore, we take it very seriously. We treat it like a Premier League game.
Good vibes at the start of a busy week. 😁 pic.twitter.com/HQSOwB4JUY
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) September 16, 2024
“Having a trophy in your hand and lifting it the air while people celebrate and cheer with you – these are memories you will never forget.”
Hurzeler won the German second tier with St Pauli last season. “You can’t buy these memories – you can only create them,” he added, having steered Albion to an unbeaten five-game start in all competitions.
“They stay with you for your whole life. It’s always my vision and ambition to win titles, and I know the players think the same.”
