Son Heung-min Joins Football Stars in Raising Concerns Over Players’ Risky Schedules
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min has added his voice to the growing chorus of football stars expressing concern over the escalating number of games players are required to participate in. The South Korean international warned of a “massive” injury risk due to the relentless demands placed on athletes, highlighting the need for greater consideration of player welfare in the sport.
His remarks come in the wake of Manchester City midfielder Rodri’s recent statements about players potentially considering strike action, a situation further underscored by Rodri’s own injury setback. The Spanish midfielder sustained knee ligament damage just days after speaking out about the challenges players face with the current schedule.
Son emphasized the toll that the demanding schedule takes on players, both mentally and physically. “You don’t want to see players struggling with injuries. No one wants to see it,” he said. “A lot of games, a lot of traveling. We’ve got to look after ourselves, which sometimes is very hard. Mentally, physically, you’re not ready. Then going on to the pitch, the risk of injury is massive. We’re not robots. Don’t get me wrong, we love playing football. That’s clear.”
Concerns Echoed by Manchester City’s Rodri
Manchester City’s Rodri, who recently suffered a knee injury during a Premier League game, echoed Son’s concerns about the demanding schedule faced by players. In a statement prior to his injury, Rodri highlighted the need for players to prioritize their well-being amidst the rigorous demands of the sport.
“Rodri said the right things. We play 50, 60 games and not more than 70 games. When the fixtures come, the players have to play. There’s a lot going on,” Son expressed, emphasizing the need for players to have a say in their workload and schedules.
The injury sustained by Rodri during City’s match against Arsenal further underscores the physical toll that the relentless schedule can have on players. With no definitive timeline provided for his potential absence, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in maintaining such a demanding calendar.
Call for Change in Football Schedule Management
The escalating debate over player welfare and the demanding schedule has prompted calls for change within the football community. City manager Pep Guardiola recently stated that it is up to players to advocate for a shift in the current system to ensure their well-being is prioritized.
The expansion of tournaments such as the Champions League and the introduction of the new Club World Cup format have added further strain on players, with concerns raised about the impact on their physical and mental health. The legal challenge from players’ unions in response to the new Club World Cup format highlights the growing discontent among players regarding the current state of affairs.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou emphasized the need for players to take a stand and advocate for their rights in light of the increasing demands placed on them. “They may take things into their own hands. They’re the ones most affected, to be honest, so you would understand if they started to think collectively about how much they will have to continually not have a say in,” he said. “I have spoken already about the fact we’re getting to a real dangerous level regarding our expectations around players. Instead of focusing on one or two tournaments, it’s about the calendar. That is more of an issue.”
In conclusion, the concerns raised by Son Heung-min, Rodri, and other football stars shed light on the pressing need for a reassessment of the current football schedule and its impact on player welfare. As the debate continues to gain traction, it is imperative for stakeholders in the sport to prioritize the well-being of players and work towards creating a more sustainable and balanced system that takes into account the physical and mental health of those involved.