Florentino Pérez Criticizes Packed Schedule: “82 Games Are Too Much”

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has voiced his concerns about the grueling football calendar, claiming that the increased number of games imposed by UEFA and FIFA is putting players at risk. Pérez highlighted the toll this is already taking on his team, with numerous injuries reported in just a few months.

82 Games: A Grueling Task for Players

According to Pérez, Real Madrid players could end up playing as many as 82 matches this season. This staggering figure includes domestic competitions, European fixtures, and international commitments. UEFA and FIFA have reportedly added 14 more games to the already packed schedule, which Pérez believes is unreasonable.

The relentless schedule leaves little room for recovery and increases the chances of injuries. “In just three months, we have had 14 injured players with 21 injuries,” Pérez revealed, painting a bleak picture of the current situation.

The Injury Crisis at Real Madrid

Real Madrid has already been hit hard by injuries this season. Notable absentees have disrupted the team’s momentum, affecting performances and squad depth.

Some of the players sidelined have been key figures, and the frequency of injuries is alarming. These setbacks have forced manager Carlo Ancelotti to rotate heavily, further highlighting the adverse effects of a packed calendar.

UEFA and FIFA’s Role in the Schedule

Pérez’s criticism is directed at both UEFA and FIFA, organizations that have recently introduced additional fixtures such as expanded tournaments and new international competitions. While these changes aim to grow the sport’s global appeal, they are adding undue pressure on players.

Many other clubs and managers have expressed similar concerns. The balance between expanding football’s reach and maintaining player welfare appears to be tipping unfavorably.

The Need for Action

Player Welfare: The increasing number of games is taking a toll on players’ health and performance.

Scheduling Reforms: Clubs are calling for a more balanced calendar to ensure recovery time.

Unified Solutions: UEFA and FIFA need to collaborate with clubs to address these issues.

Florentino Pérez’s comments underline a growing concern in modern football: the physical and mental strain on players. While expanding the game is essential, it must not come at the expense of player welfare.
If steps aren’t taken to address these concerns, the beautiful game risks losing its essence, with injuries and fatigue overshadowing the brilliance on the pitch. The call for action is clear—football needs a balanced approach to ensure the longevity of its stars.

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