Rodri has ruled out a future transfer to Saudi Arabia like other big names from Europe, as he discussed his future after leaving Manchester City.
29.09.2023 - 23:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Pep Guardiola has called on the players to take a stand if they want a reduction in the number of games in the schedule, insisting the authorities won't listen to the Manchester City manager or his fellow bosses.
The Catalan has regularly lamented the number of games in the schedule, with English football persisting with two cup competitions. An expanded Champions League group stage format will also come into force next season, while City are competing in the Club World Cup in December.
They will also take part in an expanded Club World Cup in 2025, which will consist of 32 teams and will take place in America in June and July of that year, adding further strain to a calendar that is already at breaking point.
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This week, former City centre-back Vincent Kompany, now manager of Burnley, suggested a cap of 60 games for players per season with more and more players struggling with muscle injuries as a result of a packed schedule.
More than 100 players are either out injured or facing a fight to prove their fitness this weekend and there have been a spate of injuries in the early weeks of the season, but Guardiola believes it is on the players to force a chance with the game's governing bodies.
"I would say every idea to reduce the amount of games for the players would be nice. There isn't going to be change," said Guardiola.
"There is only one solution: if the players decide for themselves. To say to the organisations stop, you have to change something. After the statements, maybe FIFA and UEFA react. This business, the show must go on.
"Without Pep?
Rodri has ruled out a future transfer to Saudi Arabia like other big names from Europe, as he discussed his future after leaving Manchester City.
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