Increased Workload: Player Welfare Crisis in Football

Rodri's injury coupled with former players' and managers' concerns highlights the pressing issue of player welfare amidst increasing football schedules. Prolonged workloads are leading to physical and mental fatigue, with the likes of Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher calling for urgent reforms to prevent player burnout.

A week after Manchester City midfielder Rodri raised concerns over escalating workloads, he now faces a lengthy injury spell. This situation underscores the ongoing debate around player welfare amid an intense match schedule.

Notable voices like Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and managers Pep Guardiola and Erik ten Hag have echoed these concerns. Henry remarked that players have lost their joy, while Carragher compared them to cattle.

Mark O'Sullivan, associate professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, emphasized that the power of players is diminishing. He criticized FIFA and UEFA for prioritizing consumer demands over player welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)