Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticized the demanding football calendar, highlighting the impact of excessive playing time on players’ health.
Guardiola specifically pointed to the case of Rodri, who played 75 games last season. “Rodri is injured because he played 75 games last season,” Guardiola said. “Give him one month and a half, two months holiday after the Euros, like in the NBA. Tell him and he’d be perfect, and after he can play 80 games if you want. But give him three months…”
The City boss’s comments underscore the need for a more balanced football calendar to prevent injuries and burnout among players.