'The players and their advisors...' - Karl Heinz Rummenigge takes a dig at players for hectic footballing schedule

The growing demands on professional footballers have ignited an important discussion about accountability within the sport. Former Bayern boss Karl-Heinz Rummenigge emphasizes that while clubs and associations play a role, players also have a part to play in this equation.

Rummenigge blames the players equally 

He suggests that players and their advisors have inadvertently contributed to the situation by pushing for increasingly high salaries. This, in turn, compels clubs to seek greater revenue, often through the scheduling of more matches. Rummenigge shared these insights with the specialist magazine Kicker, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to managing player workloads while ensuring the sustainability of the sport.

"The players and their advisors have manoeuvred themselves into this trap. By demanding ever higher and higher salaries, they are forcing the clubs to generate ever-higher revenues. And what generates this income? Through more games." he said.

Rummenigge emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to convene and engage in a constructive, emotion-free discussion. It's crucial to identify the mechanisms required to restore a more serious and rational approach, particularly regarding economic matters.

"It would be good if everyone involved sat down at a table and discussed without emotion "what mechanisms we need to bring about more serious and rational times again - including economic times," said Rummenigge.

He expresses his support for the upcoming Club World Cup, emphasizing that this tournament will be an exciting event, especially as it will take place in this format for the first time next year. He believes it will be a successful addition to the football calendar, especially considering it only occurs once every four years.

At the same time, there has been a noticeable rise in concerns among footballers regarding the increasing number of matches and the demands placed on them in professional football. Premier League champion Rodri recently highlighted this issue and suggested the possibility of a players' strike. This conversation has gained attention, particularly following his recent injury when he tore his cruciate ligament.