Pep Guardiola Backs Player Strike Over Workload Concerns Amid Rodri's Threat

As the 2024-25 season heats up, concerns over fixture congestion and player workload have sparked conversations about the sustainability of modern football. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is the latest to weigh in on the issue, backing his star midfielder Rodri and other players who have expressed concerns about the increasing demands of elite-level football.

Rodri recently warned that players are "close" to striking due to the sheer number of games they are required to play. With the expansion of UEFA competitions and the introduction of a larger Club World Cup, elite footballers are facing more pressure than ever to perform at their best under grueling schedules.

Rodri's Call for Action: "We Are Close to a Strike"

In a candid interview ahead of City's Champions League campaign, Rodri highlighted the strain that excessive match scheduling is putting on players. "I think if you ask any player, they will say the same," Rodri said, emphasizing that the opinion is widely shared among top-level footballers. "We are the ones who suffer, and if this continues, there will come a time when we have no other option but to strike."

Rodri's comments reflect the growing frustration among players about the demands of the modern game. With some players potentially playing up to 70 or 80 matches per season, Rodri believes it is simply too much. He suggested that between 40 and 50 matches is the ideal number of games a player can handle while maintaining top physical performance.

Guardiola's Support for Player-Led Change

In response to Rodri’s remarks, Pep Guardiola expressed his full support, reinforcing the notion that change must come from the players themselves. "If something is going to change, it must come from the players," Guardiola stated. "Without players, you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it."

Guardiola has long been vocal about the overcrowded football calendar, previously criticizing UEFA and football's decision-makers for their relentless expansion of tournaments. He argues that the focus should shift away from financial and marketing gains and back to preserving the quality of football by ensuring players are well-rested and fit.

The Impact of Fixture Congestion: UEFA and the Club World Cup

The 2024-25 season has seen a significant increase in the number of matches elite players must endure. UEFA’s expansion of its competitions has added more games, while the newly-expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States next summer, will further contribute to fixture overload.

Players like Rodri and Alisson Becker from Liverpool have spoken out about the strain this places on them physically and mentally. As Rodri pointed out, "Not everything is about money or marketing – it’s also about the quality of the show." When players are fatigued, the quality of their performance drops, negatively affecting the overall experience for fans and clubs alike.

A Tipping Point for Elite-Level Football?

As elite players across Europe voice their concerns, it raises the question of whether the football authorities will listen. Rodri's call for fewer matches and more player care echoes the sentiment of many within the sport, including managers like Guardiola. The potential for a player strike could be the wake-up call football’s governing bodies need to address the issue of player welfare seriously.

While there is no concrete timeline for a strike, the threat remains on the horizon. Whether the football authorities will act before players are pushed to take drastic action remains to be seen.

Why This Matters

Player well-being is central to the future of football. If elite footballers like Rodri, backed by figures like Guardiola, are forced to strike, it could lead to widespread disruption across leagues and tournaments. The conversation about fixture congestion, player burnout, and the long-term sustainability of the modern football calendar needs urgent attention.