Manchester City star Bernardo Silva has voiced his concerns over the demanding football schedule that players are currently facing. Speaking candidly, Silva didn’t hold back in describing the situation as “absurd” and “crazy,” shedding light on the challenges that top-tier footballers endure due to the relentless fixture list.
Two Sides of the Coin: A Dream and a Nightmare
Bernardo Silva acknowledged the privileged position that professional footballers find themselves in, fulfilling childhood dreams and being well-compensated for their talents. “When players complain, people say that players can’t complain about the life they have… they’re right, we’re fulfilling a dream, and we do what we do. That’s fair,” Silva remarked. However, he quickly pointed out that this doesn’t mean the situation is without its challenges, particularly when it comes to the packed schedule.
The Crazy Schedule: No Rest for the Weary
Silva highlighted the grueling nature of the football calendar, using Manchester City’s upcoming fixtures as an example. “We have just received the news that we only have one day off for the League Cup game. We play Arsenal, we rest for a day, and then we will play again vs Watford,” he explained. The tight turnaround between matches leaves little room for recovery, and Silva pointed out the long-term impact this has on players’ physical and mental well-being.
“If we don’t get knocked out, we play every three days for months. It’s been absolutely absurd, it’s just mad,” he continued, emphasizing how relentless the schedule has become. Silva also noted the demands of the Champions League, where even failing to qualify for the knockout stages still results in more games. “In the Champions League, if you don’t qualify for the round of 16… you still have to play two more games!” he added.
Family Time Sacrificed: The Human Cost
Beyond the physical toll, Silva expressed the personal sacrifices that come with such a hectic schedule. “I spend very little time with my family. The amount of games is just absolutely absurd,” Silva said, bringing attention to the often-overlooked emotional strain that players face. While the size of modern squads has increased, Silva made it clear that this does not necessarily make the situation easier. “It’s true that the squads are bigger, but I’m not going to say that it’s easy. It hasn’t been easy, trust me…”
A Call for Change?
Bernardo Silva’s comments are a powerful reminder of the intense pressure that professional footballers are under in today’s game. While the life of a footballer may seem glamorous from the outside, the reality is that the relentless schedule can take a significant toll. As more players speak out about these issues, there may be growing calls for football’s governing bodies to reassess the current fixture list to better balance the demands on players and their well-being. Whether change will come remains to be seen, but Silva’s words have certainly added weight to the conversation.