Manchester City MF Rodri has “raised the prospect of a players strike over increasing fixture congestion,” according to Andy Hampson of the IRISH INDEPENDENT. Man City faces a busy season ahead as they compete in the new-look Champions League and an expanded Club World Cup next summer. A number of players -- including Man City D Manuel Akanji and Liverpool G Alisson Becker -- have “expressed concern about the additional workload facing players in recent days.” When asked if players “could ever strike,” Rodri said, “Yes, I think we are close to that. If it keeps this way we will have no other option. It is something that worries us.” He added, “In my experience, 40-50 (games per season) is the amount a player can perform at highest level. …This year we can go to 70, maybe 80. In my humble opinion it is too much. Someone has to take care of ourselves” ( IRISH INDEPENDENT, 9/17 ). Rodri also said, “Not everything is money or marketing, it is also the quality of the show. When I am not tired I perform better and if the people want to see a better football, we need to rest” ( MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 9/17 ).
Man City's Rodri says players 'close' to possibility of strike given congested schedule
