Berlin: Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany and Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso have joined the growing call for measures to address player workload, as discussions about potential strikes gain momentum in the football world.
Kompany has proposed introducing an annual cap on the number of games a player can participate in, while Alonso stressed the importance of involving players in decisions about the fixture calendar. Their comments come amid increasing concern over the heavy demands placed on players as the number of fixtures continues to rise.
This year’s Champions League has added more matches, and FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup is set to take place during the summer — a period traditionally reserved for players to rest. Top clubs with commitments in both European and domestic competitions could face playing up to 75 matches in the season.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Bayern’s upcoming fixture against Werder Bremen, Kompany highlighted that player workload has been a longstanding issue. “It was already a theme during my playing career,” he said, calling it “a very important topic.”
“To play 75 or 80 games a year is not realistic anymore,” he continued. Kompany proposed a solution: “There should be a cap on the number of games a player can play individually. We need to establish a limit and ensure compulsory holiday periods for players.”
Kompany’s concerns echo sentiments recently expressed by Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who warned of potential player strikes. Rodri noted that “the general opinion of the players” is that they are nearing a breaking point. “If it keeps going this way, there will come a time when there’s no other option,” Rodri said.
Other high-profile players, including Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, have also voiced their frustration with the current fixture overload.
Alonso, speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s match against Wolfsburg, supported his players’ concerns, saying: “I understand Rodri and the others. Professional players must be part of these decisions. We all want to see good football, but the schedule is very tight. They need to be heard.”
Kompany, a former captain of Manchester City and the Belgian national team, has long been vocal about player rights and was a member of the FIFPro players union during his playing career. He emphasized that capping the number of games would benefit both players and clubs. “It takes away the pressure from clubs and protects the players, while still allowing for exceptions in major finals — we can’t take those moments away from the players,” he explained.
As Bayern faces a packed schedule with midweek matches, Kompany has promised to rotate his squad to manage player fatigue. “Our squad isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity to achieve our goals,” he said.
On the subject of Bayern captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who was substituted at halftime in Tuesday’s 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb after a fall, Kompany stated that a decision on Neuer’s fitness to face Bremen would be made after training. While Bayern is being cautious to avoid unnecessary risks, Kompany added, “It looks good for Neuer.”
Key Points:
- Kompany and Alonso’s Concerns: Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso have called for action to address player workload, with growing discussions around possible player strikes.
- Proposed Solutions: Kompany advocates for an annual cap on the number of games players can participate in, along with mandatory rest periods. Alonso emphasizes that players should be involved in decisions regarding fixture scheduling.
- Fixture Overload: Increased fixtures, including an expanded Champions League and FIFA’s 32-team Club World Cup, are pushing players to the limit, with top clubs potentially playing up to 75 games this season.
- Player Strike Talks: Manchester City’s Rodri warned that players are nearing the point of striking if fixture congestion continues, a sentiment echoed by Liverpool’s Alisson and Real Madrid’s Courtois.
- Squad Rotation: Kompany promises to rotate Bayern’s squad to manage the heavy schedule and maintain player fitness, stating the team’s depth is essential to meet their goals.
- Manuel Neuer’s Fitness: A decision on Bayern captain Manuel Neuer’s fitness for the upcoming match against Werder Bremen will be made after training, though his condition looks promising.
