Rodri Suggests Players Could Strike Over Rising Volume Of Matches
Rodri has publicly expressed concerns over the increased number of matches as the Champions League expands by two matches per team in their new league format. Rodri has yet to start for City this season after a break of approximately two months following Spain\'s Euro 2024 victory on July 14th. Rodri played in 63 matches during the 23-24 season.
City players could play a maximum of 85 matches between the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and international matches.
“Yeah, I think we are close to that – it is easy to understand,” Rodri said when asked about a potential strike. “If you ask any player he will say the same; it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever. 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.”
Rodri was asked the optimum amount. “I don’t have an exact number,” he said. “From my experience I can tell you that 60-70 [is no good]. No. Between 40 and 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform in 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. I think we have to take care of ourselves. Someone has to take care of ourselves because we are the main characters of this sport or business or whatever you want to call it. Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show. When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see a better football, we need to rest.”