‘We could strike’: Rodri hints on players blackout over too many football games

The UEFA Champions League will be played in a different format this season with 36 teams taking part rather than the usual 32 teams.

More matches are to be played among clubs and this has sparked wide criticism from players. Manchester City midfielder Rodri has now suggested that players are “close” to going on strike because of concerns over their increasing workload.

Rodri was instrumental in City’s success last season. The Spain midfielder played 63 games for club and country in a campaign that didn’t finish until the Euro 2024 final on July 14.

With Man City also set to feature in the revamped Club World Cup, which begins in June, Rodri was vocal about the stress that lies ahead.

Asked whether the hectic schedule could lead to players going on strike, Rodri said: “I think we are close to that, it is easy to understand. I think it’s something general. I think if you ask any player he will say the same, it is not the opinion of Rodri or whatever.

“I think it’s the general opinion of the players. And if it keeps this way, there will be a moment where we have no other option, I really think but let’s see.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s something that worries us because we are the guys that suffer.”

Rodri has averaged more than 50 club games a year since joining City in 2019, but the 28-year-old says that’s already too many.

“I don’t have an exact number,” Rodri said. “From my experience I can tell you that 60-70 [games a season]? No. Between 40 or 50 is the amount of games in which a player can perform at the highest level. After that you drop because it is impossible to sustain the physical level.

“This year we can go to 70, maybe 80, I don’t know. It depends how far you go in the competitions. In my humble opinion, I think it is too much.”

Rodri has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or after helping City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title and leading Spain to victory at Euro 2024.