'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has spoken out against the demanding schedule this season, as the number of games players will participate in is set to increase. The Belgian midfielder specifically criticized FIFA and UEFA for adding more fixtures.
Earlier, De Bruyne’s teammate Bernardo Silva also expressed concerns about the scheduling and the rising number of matches, calling it “absurd.” Additionally, the World Leagues Association (WLA) recently published a report highlighting the negative impact that the increased number of games has on players.
De Bruyne, whose Manchester City team is expected to compete on all fronts, could play more than 70 games this season. The newly revamped Champions League format could now include up to 17 matches, compared to 13 last season, while the new FIFA Club World Cup format is set to take place in June 2025.
The 33-year-old accused UEFA and FIFA of prioritizing money over player welfare. He said (via Mundo Deportivo):
"Maybe this year everything will be fine, but next year it will be a problem. The PFA in England and players’ associations in other countries have tried to find solutions. The problem is that UEFA and FIFA are doing extra matches and we can try to say something, but no solution has been found. They don’t care. Money speaks for them."
De Bruyne highlighted that the real issues could emerge next season when Manchester City, along with 31 other teams, are set to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in June 2025. The month-long tournament will feature eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
"I think the real problem will come when we finish the Club World Cup. We know that between the final of the Club World Cup and the first day of the Premier League only three weeks will pass. So we have three weeks off and to get ready to play another 80 games later," he added (via Mundo Deportivo).
Bernardo Silva’s take on Manchester City’s demanding schedule this season
Bernardo Silva is another player who openly discussed the challenges faced by players this season.
Manchester City’s schedule is particularly demanding, with Silva noting that the Premier League champions may have less than 48 hours to prepare for their Carabao Cup fixture against Watford, which follows their Premier League game against Arsenal on Sunday, September 22.
"I think there are two completely different issues here. When the players complain, people say that players can’t complain about the life they have. And they’re right because we’re fulfilling a dream and we do what we do.
“On the other hand, the schedule is completely crazy. We’ve just received the news that we only have one day off for the English League Cup game. It hasn’t been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The amount of games we’re subjected to is absolutely absurd,” Silva told Record (via MEN).
With many players and coaches discussing the impact of the increased number of games, it remains to be seen how UEFA and FIFA will address the issue in the future to reduce player workload.
