“We will only have three weeks to rest.” Manchester City leader worried about upcoming schedule

For quite some time, many players from top clubs have expressed frustration over the congested match schedule. Some teams are now required to play 60 or more matches per season, with the number increasing each year.

This season, the format of European competitions has been changed, and instead of six group-stage matches, teams will now play eight in the overall stage. Additionally, there are more international matches due to the UEFA Nations League, and next year, the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in a new format.

These changes have been met with discontent from many players, who are facing the prospect of even more games. Some clubs are expanding their squads to rotate players across different competitions, allowing them to rest. Chelsea, for instance, has adopted this strategy.

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Kevin De Bruyne, one of Manchester City’s key players, has also voiced his frustrations. According to him, the number of matches per season could reach 80, with only three weeks of rest in the summer:

"The real problem will arise after the Club World Cup.

There will be just three weeks between the final of the Club World Cup and the first Premier League match. We will only have three weeks to rest, and then we’ll have another 80 matches!" Reuters quotes him as saying.

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He further added:

"The PFA and other associations have tried to find solutions…

The problem is that UEFA and FIFA keep adding more matches. We can express concerns, but no solutions have been found. It seems money speaks louder than the players' voices!"

As an example, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker played 62 matches each last season, while Phil Foden appeared in 73 games.