Another Spanish footballer expresses the need for a 'players' strike'

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently expressed concerns about the demanding schedule that players are currently facing. He echoed the sentiments of his teammate Rodri, emphasizing that players should have a say in the decision-making process to prioritize their well-being. Laporte highlighted the increased number of matches due to the expansion of European club competitions and the Club World Cup, suggesting that it's crucial to find a balance that benefits both the clubs and the players.

Laporte feels 'strikes' are the only option left

Former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte recently expressed concerns about the demanding schedule that players are currently facing. He echoed the sentiments of his teammate Rodri, emphasizing that players should have a say in the decision-making process to prioritize their well-being. Laporte highlighted on the increased number of matches due to the expansion of European club competitions and the Club World Cup, suggesting that it is crucial to find a balance that benefits both the clubs and the players.

"There are too many matches, there's the additional playoff games for the players that are in the Champions League playoff, then for those joining their national teams, the Nations League has been added. It's getting too much," he said.

Responding to a prompt on Rodri's idea that a strike could be necessary, the 30-year-old said: "At this point, it's the only choice we have to try to stop this because every year is getting worse and worse."

The Spanish defender recently shared his concerns about the fixture schedule in a podcast. He emphasized that the current intense schedule poses a threat to players' well-being and suggested that player welfare should be a top priority. 

He also mentioned that striking a balance between physical and mental health is crucial for players. Additionally, he stressed on the importance of involving players in decision-making processes that directly impact them, such as the scheduling of matches.

"We have been doing this for years so we are used to it, but at times we need to detach. We need to be able to take a step back and breathe a little. We can't train and play all the time. It's true that it is important for the fans, but we should also take into account that the rhythm's too high, players are getting tired, there are problems with injuries, and so on," he concluded.