this post was submitted on 26 Nov 2023
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Football / Soccer / Calcio / Futebol / Fußball
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As a football fan, I’m really confused why I’m hearing so much talk about how the schedule is more congested than ever and players are at a breaking point. Since I started watching football 15 years ago, the schedule has been the same as it’s always been for the players in the Top 5 leagues, same cups, same UCL format with 4 international breaks every season and I major tournament every 2 years. Yet the for the last couple of years I’ve been hearing many coaches, players and fans going on about how their age too many games nowadays when the schedule is the same as it was 15 years ago. Also the new UCL and CWC format come into effect yet so I’m even more confused. And it’s usually big 6 coaches, fans and players that complain about the schedule like someone like they have the chance to rest their players and use the bench or academy players in cup games. Arteta doesn’t have to play Saka in the FA CUP and league cup if he genuinely cares about his fitness levels. Can somebody explain what I’m missing because I am very confused?
Two main reasons: COVID, which also pushed back Euro 2020, made the 19/20, 20/21 and 21/22 seasons very intense. 22/23 had the winter world cup too which made the season very congested. (until we were knocked out of the EL by Sevilla United played every midweek until May)
So this current season is the first "normal" season in a few years, but the damage has already been done as you can see with all the injuries. On top of that, the calendar will only get more congested 2-4 extra CL group games and the expanded Club World Cup. That's why players and managers are speaking up.
The other thing is, all the teams are playing with much more intensity now, so players have to work harder in the matches themselves. There are almost no easy games in the Prem anymore for this reason.
They got rid of international friendlies in Europe and replaced them with the Nations League so there is definitely more competitive football for international players.
Also they increased the number of teams that qualify for international tournaments so that's more players playing more games. And in South America they seem to be having international tournaments more regularly than they used to.