The packed international match calendar is also causing annoyance among those affected. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva criticize the number of games – and are worried about the future
More matches in the Champions League in the future, the Club World Cup next year with 32 teams – the professional soccer schedule is getting fuller and fuller. Yet just a few days ago, the players’ union Fifpro massively criticized the current match calendar, describing it as “oversaturated” and a “danger to the players’ health”.
Some of those affected obviously have a similar view. “There will be a problem when the Club World Cup comes next year,” said Kevin De Bruyne, for example, ahead of the Nations League opener, which Belgium successfully contested on Friday evening thanks to two goals from the 33-year-old and a 3-1 win over Israel.
Only three weeks between the Club World Cup and the start of the league
“We know that there will only be three weeks between the Club World Cup final and the first game in the Premier League,” the Manchester City playmaker continued. “So we only have three weeks to rest up and prepare for another 80 games.”
Last season, City team-mate Phil Foden played a total of 69 games with the club and the England national team, while Baris Yilmaz even made 70 appearances with Galatasaray and Turkey.
“This year might still be okay, but next year could be problematic,” said De Bruyne – if the Club World Cup and the effects of the new premier league format are added to the mix. “The Professional Footballers’ Association in England and other players’ unions have already tried to find solutions. But the problem is that UEFA and FIFA are adding more and more extra games. “
Bernardo Silva: Little time with the family
The players’ concerns are not listened to, according to De Bruyne, who concludes: “Money rules the world.” Portuguese international Bernardo Silva, another of De Bruyne’s City teammates, echoed the same sentiment. The game plan is already “completely crazy”.
“We’ve just found out that we only have one day off for the English League Cup game,” the 30-year-old told the Portuguese sports newspaper Record, referring to the 3rd round of the League Cup. Man City will play Watford FC on Tuesday, September 24 – and Arsenal in the Premier League the Sunday before.
“If we don’t get knocked out of a competition, we’ll probably be playing every three days for months. It’s absolutely absurd,” complained Bernardo Silva, who also criticized the negative impact on his quality of life. “I spend very little time with my family and friends. The number of games we are exposed to is absolutely absurd. “