‘Too many games’ in football, says Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says there are “too many games” and “too many competitions” in football, with players facing “almost unavoidable” risk of injury.

Manchester United start their European campaign at home to Twente on Wednesday in a new 36-team Europa League which sees each club play eight matches in the league phase.

Expanded European competitions and next summer’s Club World Cup have sparked concerns about players’ workloads.

Last week, Manchester City midfielder Rodri said players were close to going on strike in protest at an increase in games, just days before picking up a potentially season-ending knee injury.

“There are too many games. It’s clear. Too many competitions,” said Ten Hag.

“It’s maybe good for commercial but there is a limit. It’s almost unavoidable that players get injured because of the overload from so many games.”

City defender Manuel Akanji said he would retire at 30 over workloads while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson suggested no football stakeholders have consulted players about fixture congestion.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently said his club are considering giving their players holidays during the season in order to combat the increase in fixtures.

“I think as a club alone you can’t change this, it’s more about the total industry,” Ten Hag added.

“At the end of the day, it’s financial. Also we are professional, so revenues have to come, but we have to balance this out.”  – bbc