Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has spoken out about the increasingly congested football calendar, expressing his concerns over player welfare. The Swiss international has highlighted the risks of overloading players with too many games, warning of the potential for fatigue and injury if the trend continues.
Akanji on the Demands of Modern Football
Speaking candidly about the pressures of the modern game, Akanji emphasized the toll that an ever-growing fixture list can take on players. He remarked, **“You can’t just keep adding game after game and assume everything will be like it was.”
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among top players that the demands of club, international, and tournament football are becoming too intense.
Player Fatigue and Injury Risks
Akanji didn’t hold back in discussing the physical strain placed on footballers, warning that fatigue could lead to an increase in injuries. He added, “You have to think about the players as well. At some point you’ll be too tired to play any more games. And then come injuries, definitely.”
The defender stressed that while players maintain high fitness levels and train hard, there needs to be a limit to how much the human body can handle before performance and health are compromised.
Retirement at 30?
In a surprising statement, Akanji hinted at the possibility of an early retirement due to the demands of the modern game. He said, “Maybe I’ll retire at 30!”
While the remark was made with a hint of frustration, it underscores the growing concerns players have about how long they can sustain such a rigorous playing schedule
Manuel Akanji’s comments reflect a serious issue in football as the fixture list continues to expand. With more games comes the risk of fatigue and injury, and Akanji’s warning serves as a reminder that player welfare must be a priority. The possibility of early retirements due to burnout is something the footballing world may need to address sooner rather than later.
Summary
– Akanji highlights the dangers of an overloaded fixture schedule.
– Fatigue and injury risks increase with too many games.
– The defender hints at retiring early due to the demands of the modern game.