Manchester City midfielder Rodri has suggested that players might be pushed to strike due to increasingly congested schedules and the growing number of fixtures with little rest throughout the season.
City will face Inter Milan on Wednesday in the Champions League, where the new format introduces at least two additional games before the knockout stages.
The expanded Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams, will further increase the number of games for top clubs like City next summer.
Rodri voiced his frustration, stating, “I think we are close to that,” in reference to a potential player strike. He added, “If things continue like this, we might have no other option, but let’s see.”
Under the new formats, Manchester City will have to play at least four extra matches compared to last season.
Previously, they played just two games to win the Club World Cup in December, but now they will need to play three group games and up to four knockout matches to secure the trophy.
The congested schedule has become a significant concern for players, with Rodri’s concerns echoing those of other players, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker.
Becker has criticized football’s governing bodies for overlooking players’ concerns about fixture congestion, highlighting the physical and mental toll it could take on athletes.
In the past two seasons alone, Manchester City have played a remarkable 120 matches across all competitions, with the new formats suggesting that the intense schedule will persist.
