Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber agrees with Manchester City’s Rodri regarding the increasingly demanding football schedule. Timber, who has been a key player for the Gunners since the start of the season, described the current fixture congestion as “dangerous” and highlighted that it is a significant topic of discussion among his teammates.
The issue of fixture congestion has been a hot topic in the football world, with many players voicing their concerns. Rodri, who suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this season, was one of the first to speak out, warning that the packed schedule could lead players going on strike. Earlier this month Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson said players were “tired” of more games being added to the schedule while Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji joked about retiring at 30.
“I totally agree with them, I think it’s a big topic in dressing rooms, not only at City and Liverpool but also our dressing room,” said Timber.
“I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing now but I totally understand what they are saying.”
Timber expressed his worries about the impact of the congested fixture list on player welfare. “It’s a dangerous situation,” he said. “We are playing too many games in a short period, and it’s something that we talk about a lot in the dressing room. The body needs time to recover, and without proper rest, the risk of injury increases significantly”.
The concerns raised by Timber and Rodri are not just about individual player health but also about the overall quality of the game. With the expansion of tournaments like the Champions League and the introduction of new competitions such as the FIFA Club World Cup, the number of matches has increased, putting additional strain on players. This has led to calls for a more balanced schedule that prioritizes player health and well-being.
Timber’s comments have sparked more debate about the necessity for football schedule change. Many believe that governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA need to take a more proactive approach to addressing these concerns. “We need to find a solution that works for everyone,” Timber added. “It’s not just about the players; it’s about the fans and the quality of the game. We want to perform at our best, and for that, we need to be in the best possible condition”
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