Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski recently expressed his concerns about the amount of football being played, stating that it is affecting the quality of the games. He highlighted the increase in games in competitions such as the Champions League, coupled with national team commitments, leading to a packed schedule that is challenging for both clubs and players.
Lewandowski emphasized how the demanding schedule makes it nearly impossible for players to stay at the top of their game. With matches scheduled every two days and high expectations to perform at a high level consistently, players often do not have adequate time for rest and mental recovery. This relentless cycle can lead to a decline in the quality of football being played.
The Polish international stressed that footballers are human beings, not machines, and the intense schedule takes a toll on their physical and mental well-being. The lack of time for rest and relaxation can impact their performance on the field, ultimately affecting the overall quality of the games being played.
Team Perspective
Lewandowski’s teammate, goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, echoed his sentiments, highlighting the challenges posed by the grueling schedule. While acknowledging that new signings could potentially benefit the team, he emphasized that the current squad has already proven its ability to compete at the highest level. The focus should be on managing the existing players effectively rather than solely relying on reinforcements.
Both players emphasized the need to address the issue of over-scheduling in football to maintain the quality of the game. FIFA’s offer to engage in discussions with global football stakeholders to resolve the matter is a step in the right direction. By prioritizing player welfare and ensuring a balanced competition calendar, the overall quality of football matches can be preserved.
The increasing number of games and competitions in football has raised concerns among players regarding the impact on performance and game quality. It is essential for stakeholders to address these issues collaboratively to strike a balance between an exciting football calendar and the well-being of the players. Only by finding solutions to the problem of over-scheduling can the sport continue to thrive and maintain its high standards.
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